Forensic examination of thermal papers using Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics: Non-destructive approach

Thermal papers are replacing the conventional form of printing and are being extensively used across the globe. This study encompasses a non-destructive approach to examine thermal papers by using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and Video Spectral Comparator (VSC), where the former technique helps in characterizing and discriminating different samples and the latter helps in deciphering the faded prints on thermal paper. The qualitative analysis of the spectroscopic data based on peak to peak comparison and quanti-tative analysis using chemometrics has been done to obtain high discriminating power. Multivariate analysis using HCA gave a discriminating power of 83.82% and PCA showed a variance of 95.64%. The strength of the study is portrayed through the decipherment of artificially and naturally faded thermal papers using VSC and analyzing the effect of different storing conditions on their rate of fading. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study examines thermal papers using non-destructive methods such as ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and Video Spectral Comparator (VSC), showing high discriminating power through qualitative and quantitative analysis. Multivariate analysis using HCA and PCA demonstrates the effectiveness of the study, which also analyzes the impact of different storage conditions on the fading rate of thermal papers.