Investigating diversity in polymer-based identity cards using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and chemometrics

Jasmine McGann; Meg Willans; Georgina Sauzier; Mark J. Hackett; Simon W. Lewis; John McGinn; Tonya Trubshoe; Wilhelm van Bronswijk

Forensic Science International: Reports (Dec 2020)

Investigating diversity in polymer-based identity cards using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and chemometrics

Jasmine McGann,
Meg Willans,
Georgina Sauzier,
Mark J. Hackett,
Simon W. Lewis,
John McGinn,
Tonya Trubshoe,
Wilhelm van Bronswijk

Affiliations

Jasmine McGann: School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia; Curtin Institute of Functional Molecules and Interfaces, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia
Meg Willans: School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia; Curtin Institute of Functional Molecules and Interfaces, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia
Georgina Sauzier: School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia; Curtin Institute of Functional Molecules and Interfaces, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia; Corresponding authors at: School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia.
Mark J. Hackett: School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia; Curtin Institute of Functional Molecules and Interfaces, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia
Simon W. Lewis: School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia; Curtin Institute of Functional Molecules and Interfaces, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia; Corresponding authors at: School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia.
John McGinn: Document Examination Solutions, PO Box 7317, Karawara, Western Australia, 6152, Australia
Tonya Trubshoe: Document Examination Solutions, PO Box 7317, Karawara, Western Australia, 6152, Australia
Wilhelm van Bronswijk: School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 2
p. 100149

Abstract

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Polymer identity cards are a key target for counterfeit production, posing significant economic and security threats. Examination of suspect identity cards is largely based on visual features, but could potentially exploit diversity in the card composition. This preliminary study investigated the chemical diversity amongst Western Australian driver’s licences using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and chemometrics. Differences were observed between three series of issue, potentially due to variations in the adhesive or printing materials. Analysis of three licences issued by authorities outside of Western Australia also highlighted variations between jurisdictions. This warrants further investigation into the chemical composition of identity cards as a possible tool to assist expert examination.

Published in Forensic Science International: Reports

ISSN: 2665-9107 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Netherlands
LCC subjects: Law: Law in general. Comparative and uniform law. Jurisprudence: Comparative law. International uniform law: Criminal law and procedure
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/forensic-science-international-reports

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