Applications of Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry to Toner Materials from Photocopiers

• Published in: Journal of forensic sciences 1986-01, Vol.31 (1), p.258-271
• Main Authors: Levy, EJ, Wampler, TP
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0022-1198; 1556-4029
• DOI: 10.1520/JFS11880J

Analytical pyrolysis, pyrolysis gas chromatography (GC), and pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) have been used extensively in forensic science laboratories for the identification of difficult samples. Much of the original work concerned samples of paint-generally from cases involving automobiles. Since then many other materials have been examined, including fibers from clothing, hair, and a variety of polymeric substances. Other investigators have used pyrolysis GC to examine cellulose products such as wood, bark, paper, and so forth, and yet others have used the technique to look at pigments, coatings, and inks. This paper presents the analysis of a variety of photocopies produced by different manufacturers of copying instruments. Sections of the printed paper were pyrolyzed, and the pyrolysates were analyzed by GC/MS. Specific differences were noted to be dependent on the type of toner material used in the photocopying process of each make of copier. Significant peaks were selected and identified by their mass spectra to indicate the chemical differences in toner material. Pyrograms and mass spectral data are presented for the toner material, toner on paper, and blank paper for subtraction from the pyrograms of toner material on paper.