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Use of Neutron Activation Analysis for the Characterization of Paper
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1971
Year
Trace Elemental CompositionsEngineeringNuclear PhysicsTrace Element GeochemistryForensic ChemistryQuantitative AnalysisNeutron Activation AnalysisAnalytical ChemistryElemental CharacterizationTrace ElementChromatographyMaterials SciencePhysicsNeutron SourceNeutron TransportNuclear EngineeringNatural SciencesTechnologyNeutron ScatteringTrace Elements
Abstract A controlled study was carried out on 600 samples of various types of white and colored paper obtained from 10 different paper manufacturers with known production histories and dates. Neutron activation analysis was employed to measure the characterizing trace elemental compositions. Results indicated that (1) the papers examined were uniform with respect to their trace elemental compositions, (2) papers produced by different manufacturers are readily distinguishable qualitatively and/or quantitatively, (3) different batches of paper produced by the same manufacturer are generally qualitatively similar if produced within a short span of time (however, these specimens can be distinguished by quantitative analysis of the trace elements), and (4) different batches of paper produced by the same manufacturer at least 1 year apart are readily distinguishable qualitatively and/or quantitatively.