Preparation of Disappearing Inks and Studying the Fading Time on Different Paper Surfaces

• NCJ Number: 243750
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 58 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2013 Pages: 188-194
• Author(s): Mohamed Mabrouk El-Molla, Ph.D.; Sayed Ahamed Shama, Ph.D.; Saeed El-Sayed Saeed, M.Sc.
• Date Published: January 2013
• Length: 7 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This research was conducted on the preparation of disappearing inks using different concentrations of thymolphthalein, phenolphthalein, and their mixture.

Abstract

Disappearing inks have been used in different fields, but it may be abused in forgery and counterfeiting. This research was conducted on the preparation of disappearing inks using different concentrations of thymolphthalein, phenolphthalein, and their mixture. The prepared inks were applied to different types of handwriting papers. It was found that the handwriting stability increased by increasing thymolphthalein, phenolphthalein, or alkali concentration, but in the case of using 4 mL of 1 normal (N) NaOH, the handwriting stability of phenolphthalein and its mixture inks decreased. Deciphering of the faded handwriting was evaluated by different methods; using optical deciphering, the faded handwriting did not respond to the different light sources. All the faded handwriting was visible when treated with alkaline solution. There was no change in the faded handwriting when heated to 100 degrees C; phenolphthalein and mixture inks containing 0.5 mL of 1 N NaOH became red when only Azhar and Xerox papers were heated to 150 degrees C. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.