Forensic Application of X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy for the Discrimination of Authentic and Counterfeit Revenue Stamps. Issue 11 (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Melendez-Perez, Jose Javier; Correa, Deleon Nascimento; Hernandes, Vinicius Veri; de Morais, Damila Rodrigues; de Oliveira, Rodrigo Borges; de Souza, Wanderley; Santos, Jandyson Machado; Eberlin, Marcos Nogueira
• Is Part Of: Applied spectroscopy. Volume 70:Issue 11(2016)
• Page Start: 1910
• Page End: 1915
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: Forensic science -- questioned documents -- energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence -- revenue stamp -- tax stamp; Spectrum analysis -- Periodicals; 543.505
• DOI: 10.1177/0003702816645352
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-7028

Abstract

Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectroscopy with data treatment via chemometric tools was explored as an analytical protocol to discriminate between authentic and counterfeit revenue stamps. Untreated samples were directly analyzed, and the discrimination was based on the characterization of constituent elements present in the inks and paper. Authentic samples and samples that were suspected of being counterfeit were analyzed at three different areas on their surfaces: the ink-printed area, the non-printed area, and the holographic area. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the data to discriminate between authentic and counterfeit revenue stamps. Major differences in the elemental composition were noted (according to chemometrics and t-test, p < 0.05), and ED-XRF spectroscopy plus PCA protocol is proposed for use by non-specialist operators to screen for counterfeit stamps.