Mineralization processes in some samples from the fossil forest of Dunarobba (Umbria, Central Italy)

TG/MS, Py-GC/MS and THM-GC/MS study of the composition and thermal behavior of extractive components of Robinia pseudoacacia

“…According to previous studies [44], fatty acids leave the heated filament mainly by evaporation and no thermal decomposition of these compounds takes place. The largest fatty acid homologue identified was n-docosanoic acid (41) in agreement with the results of Asperger et al [44]. Following the fatty acids alkanes and alkenes are eluted (35)(36)(37)(38)(39)(40)(42)(43)(44).…”

“…In the first part of the pyrograms -similarly to the Py-GC/MS chromatogramsmainly polysaccharide and lignin derivatives have been identified. Between 25 and 42 min retention time fatty acid methyl esters (27-34, 36, 38, 42, 43, 45, 48, 50, 54) and hydrocarbons (41,47,51) can be found. The last part of the pyrogram is dominated by phytosterol derivatives (52, 53, 56-61).…”

“…The main pyrolysis products of the samples are polysaccharide and lignin derivatives. The smaller peaks from about 30 min retention time can mainly be attributed to fatty acids (30,32,33,41) and hydrocarbons (37,43). At the end of the pyrograms phytosterol derivatives have been identified.…”

“…3 and 4 and Table 2 lists the assignments of the peaks. The peaks at lower retention times correspond mainly to aromatic pyrolysis products (9, 12, 16-19, 21, 26), which are either degradation compounds of lignin or are present in the wood as monomers [41,42]. In the latter case, they may be precursors or intermediates of lignin biosynthesis.…”

Evaluation of the Applicability of Conventional Methods for the Chemical Characterization of Waterlogged Archaeological Wood

“…Conventional analytical methodologies for measuring the residual chemical composition of fossil wood are essentially based on Tappi or ASTM standards. Although these derive from procedures specifically designed for use in the pulp and paper industry, no practical alternatives exist today and several authors currently also use them in archaeology (Hoffmann 1982; Hedges 1990; Staccioli et al. 2001; Giachi et al.…”