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X-ray Powder Diffraction in Conservation Science: Towards Routine Crystal Structure Determination of Corrosion Products on Heritage Art Objects
Published on: June 8, 2016
Synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy for art conservation: looking back and looking forward.
Marine Cotte1, Jean Susini, Joris Dik
1Laboratoire du Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France (LC2RMF), CNRS UMR 171, Palais du Louvre, Porte des Lions, 14, Quai Francois Mitterrand, F-75001 Paris, France.
Accounts of Chemical Research
|January 12, 2010
Summary
Synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) offers powerful, noninvasive chemical analysis for cultural heritage. This technique provides high-resolution chemical mapping and speciation, crucial for understanding art fabrication and degradation.
Area of Science:
- * Materials Science
- * Analytical Chemistry
- * Cultural Heritage Science
Background:
- * Synchrotron radiation (SR) techniques like X-ray fluorescence (SR-XRF) and X-ray diffraction (SR-XRD) are widely used in cultural heritage (CH).
- * Despite their advantages, synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy (SR-XAS) techniques are underutilized in CH due to limited interaction between CH specialists and SR physicists.
- * SR-XAS offers unique capabilities for the chemical analysis of artworks, complementing existing methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To examine the fundamental principles and capabilities of XAS techniques for art preservation.
- * To highlight the suitability of XAS for the chemical characterization of complex and heterogeneous cultural heritage materials.
- * To demonstrate the value and potential of SR-XAS in CH research and conservation.
Main Methods:
- * X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) utilizing synchrotron radiation (SR).
- * Noninvasive analytical methods with low detection limits and high lateral resolution.
- * Chemical mapping to provide information on local composition and chemical states, including trace elements.
Main Results:
- * XAS provides exceptional chemical sensitivity and speciation, ideal for analyzing precious and complex CH materials.
- * Chemical mapping capability with high spatial resolution offers unique insights into local composition and oxidation states.
- * XAS can elucidate historical craft techniques and characterize degradation processes by monitoring chemical modifications.
Conclusions:
- * SR-XAS is a powerful, yet underutilized, tool for the chemical analysis and conservation of cultural heritage objects.
- * The technique's noninvasive nature, high sensitivity, and mapping capabilities are invaluable for understanding artwork history and preservation.
- * Increased collaboration between CH specialists and SR physicists can unlock the full potential of SR-XAS in the field.
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