ASTM E2325-05

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation:E2325–05
Standard Guide for
Non-destructive Examination of Paper
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2325; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope EXXXX Terminology Relating to Forensic Document Ex-
amination
1.1 This guide provides procedures that should be used by
forensic document examiners (see Guide E444) for non-
3. Terminology
destructive examinations of paper.
3.1 Definitions:
1.2 These procedures are applicable whether the examina-
3.1.1 For definitions of terms in this guide, refer to Termi-
tion is of questioned and known items or of exclusively
nologies E1732 and EXXXX.
questioned items.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.3 These procedures include evaluation of the sufficiency
3.2.1 fluorescence, n—a process by which radiant energy is
of the material available for examination.
absorbed and reradiated at other, usually longer, wavelengths.
1.4 The particular methods employed in a given case will
3.2.2 infrared (IR), n—referring to radiant flux having
depend upon the nature of the material available for examina-
wavelengths longer than the wavelengths of light, usually
tion.
wavelengths from about 780 nm to about 1 mm. E284
1.5 This guide may not cover all aspects of particularly
3.2.3 infrared luminescence (IRL), n—the emission of radi-
unusual or uncommon examinations of paper samples.
ant energy during a transition from an excited electronic state
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
of an atom, molecule, or ion to a lower electronic state
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
(fluorescence or phosphorescence, or both), where the spec-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
trum of the excitation source is in the ultraviolet (UV) or
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
visibleregionoftheelectromagneticspectrum,orboth,andthe
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
spectrum of the emitted energy is in the far red or infrared (IR)
2. Referenced Documents region of the electromagnetic spectrum. E1422
2 3.2.4 luminescence, n—the emission of radiant energy dur-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
ing a transition from an excited electronic state of an atom,
E444 Guide for Scope of Work of Forensic Document
molecule, or ion to a lower electronic state. E1422
Examiners
3.2.5 opacity, n—the property of paper that prevents the
E1422 Guide for Test Methods for Forensic Writing Ink
transmission of light.
Comparison
3.2.6 ultraviolet (UV), n—referring to radiant flux having
E1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
wavelengths shorter than the wavelengths of light, usually
wavelengths from about 10 nm to 380 nm. E1422
3.2.6.1 Discussion—Long-wave UV usually refers to the
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic
spectral range of UV-A, with wavelengths from about 315 nm
Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.02 on Questioned
to 380 nm. Short-wave UV usually refers to the spectral range
Documents.
of UV-C, with wavelengths from 100 nm to 280 nm.
Current edition approved June 1, 2005. Published July 2005. DOI: 10.1520/
E2325-05.
3.2.7 watermark, n—a localized modification of the forma-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
tion and/or opacity of a sheet of paper so that a pattern, design,
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
or word group can be seen in the dry sheet when viewed using
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. side lighting or transmitted light.
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E2325–05
4. Significance and Use 6.9 Imaging or other equipment for recording observations
as required.
4.1 The procedures outlined here are grounded in the
6.10 Sufficient time and facilities to complete all applicable
generally accepted body of knowledge and experience in the
procedures.
field of forensic document examination. By following these
procedures, a forensic document examiner can reliably evalu-
7. Procedures
ate the physical similarities or differences between papers that
can lead to a determination as to whether papers originated
NOTE 2—All procedures shall be performed when applicable and noted
from the same source. when appropriate. These procedures need not be performed in the order
given.
5. Interferences
7.1 Examinations performed, relevant observations, and
results shall be documented.
5.1 Certain items submitted for examination may have
7.2 At various points in these procedures, a determination
inherent limitations that can interfere with the procedures in
that a particular feature is not present or that an item is lacking
this guide. Limitations should be noted and recorded.
in quality or comparability may indicate that the examiner
5.2 The condition of a paper sample may make it unsuitable
should discontinue or limit the procedure(s). It is at the
for some types of examinations (for example, item(s) that are
discretion of the examiner to discontinue the procedure at that
water soaked, stained, soiled, charred, or finely shredded).
point and report accordingly or to continue with the applicable
5.3 Storage conditions such as exposure to light, heat, or
procedures to the extent possible. The reasons for such a
moisture can affect the appearance of paper during certain
decision shall be documented.
tests.
7.3 Determine whether the examination is a comparison of
5.4 Chemical processing for latent prints generally inter-
questioned paper sample(s) or a comparison of a questioned
feres with non-destructive paper examination. Paper examina-
paper sample(s) with a known paper sample(s).
tions should be conducted prior to any chemical processing.
5.5 Items should be handled as little as possible prior to and
NOTE 3—For the purpose of this guide, two samples will be compared.
These samples may refer to known and questioned specimens, or
during paper examinations to prevent contamination such as
exclusively questioned specimens.
the introduction of latent prints. The use of clean cloth gloves
is recommended.
7.4 Determine whether the submitted paper samples are
5.6 In the paper manufacturing process reams of paper and
suitable for comparison. If not suitable for comparison, dis-
other paper products can be comprised of sheets from one or
continue the procedure and report accordingly.
morerollsofpaper.Differencesinpapercharacteristicsmaybe
7.5 Examine the paper samples with transmitted light.
presentinindividualsheetsfromthesamereamorproductand,
7.5.1 Record any watermarks present.
therefore, must be considered when assessing color, thickness,
7.5.1.1 When identifying a manufacturer or dating a paper
UV fluorescence, IRL, opacity, surface texture and printed
sample by the use of a watermark, refer to laboratory and
material (see 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.10, 7.11, and 7.17).
published industry resources. If necessary, contact the appro-
priate paper manufacturer for further information.
6. Equi
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