Application of Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy to Problems in Conservation

Abstract

Though infrared spectroscopy is the single most powerful technique for the characterization of materials and though it is widely used in the chemical industries, its application to conservation has been severely limited due to the complexity and limited sample size of the materials presented for examination. In the past decade, the development of infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy has made possible the study of small samples and complex mixtures. The technique of infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy is compared to conventional infrared spectroscopy with reference to spectra of paper, egg yolk, albumin, madder, Indian yellow, purpurin, alizarin, indigo, and linseed oil.

DFT calculations of the IR and Raman spectra of anthraquinone dyes and lakes

“… N o t e . The experimental infrared and Raman frequencies (in cm −1 ) of alizarin are taken from Cyranski et al The infrared and Raman frequencies of purpurin are taken from Low and Baer and other works, respectively. Legend: ν for stretching; δ for in plane bending or deformation, γ for out of plane bending or deformation, and s h for shoulder.…”

New methods of chemical analysis—a tool for the conservator

“…By these techniques, information can be gained from organic coatings on infrared-absorbing support material which would strongly obscure the spectrum of the thin coating. This can be subtracted on a routine basis with a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer [132,133], These new techniques in infrared spectroscopy permit investigation of extremely small and complex samples as they occur in the analysis of works of art. The results enable information to be obtained which conventional IRinstruments have frequently been unable to deliver.…”

Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy: evaluation as a non-destructive technique for studying the degradation of human hair from archaeological and forensic environments

“…Although infrared spectroscopy has traditionally been used in archaeological science as an analytical tool, 13,14 it has limitations for the examination of biological remains. A paucity of information relating to structural alteration, particularly of -SS-bonding, 15,16 suggests that the technique is not sensitive enough for use with archaeological hair.…”