X-ray Powder Diffraction for Characterization of Raw Materials in Banknotes
- Autores: Domenica Marabello, Paola Benzi, Antonietta Lombardozzi, Morela Strano
- Localización: Journal of forensic sciences, ISSN-e 1556-4029, ISSN 0022-1198, Vol. 62, Nº. 4, 2017, págs. 962-970
- Idioma: inglés
- Enlaces
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Resumen
We report about the X-ray powder diffraction characterization of crystalline materials used to produce genuine and counterfeit banknotes, performed with a single-crystal diffractometer that permits fast and nondestructive measurements in different 0.5-mm sized areas;
20-euro denomination genuine banknotes were analyzed, and results were compared with counterfeit banknotes. The analysis shows that the papers used to print real banknotes are composed, as expected, of cotton-based cellulose and titanium dioxide as crystalline additive, but different polymorphs of TiO2 for different emission countries are evidenced. The counterfeit banknotes are composed of cellulose based on wood pulp; moreover, an unexpected significant quantity of TiO2 was found to be mixed with calcite, indicating that the paper employed by forgers is not simply a common low-cost type. The crystalline index and intensity ratios between the peaks attributable to cellulose and fillers can provide additional information to trace back paper suppliers for forensic purposes.
