Analysis of Ink Aging Using FTIR-ATR and UV-Vis Spectroscopy

Abstract

Ink aging studies are crucial in forensic document examination and conservation science, where determining the authenticity and timeline of documents is essential. Over time, environmental factors such as heat, humidity, and UV light can cause inks to degrade, affecting their chemical structure and appearance. Traditional ink analysis often involves destructive methods, but modern spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectroscopy offer non-destructive alternatives.