Multi-modal approach for the characterization of resin carriers in Daylight Fluorescent Pigments

Abstract

started to incorporate Daylight Fluorescent Pigments (DFPs) in their artworks, the extent of the conservation problems that are associated with these pigments has increased progressively. Since their first appearance on the market, their composition has constantly been improved in terms of permanency. However, conservation practices on the artworks that are used in, are complicated by the fact that the composition of DFPs is proprietary and the information provided by the manufactures is limited. To be able to propose adequate conservation strategies for artworks containing DFPs, a thorough understanding of the DFPs composition must be acquired. In contrast with previous research that concentrated on identification of the coloring dye, this paper focuses on the characterization of the resin, used as the carrier for the dye. The proposed approach, involving ATR-FTIR, SPME-GC-MS and XRF analysis, provided additional insights on the organic and inorganic components of the resin. Using this approach, we investigated historical DFPs and new formulations, as well as different series from the main manufacturing companies (DayGlo, Swada, Radiant Color and Kremer) in order to obtain a full characterization of DFPs used by the artists along the years. First, the initial PCA-assisted ATR-FTIR spectroscopy allowed for an efficient classification of the main monomers in the resin polymer. Next, a further distinction was made by mass spectrometry and XRF which were optimized to allow a more specific classification of the resin and for detection of additives.In this paper we show the potential of SPME-GC-MS, never applied for the characterization of artistic materials, at present undervalued for heritage science purposes. We anticipate that this information will be highly relevant in the future stability studies and for defining (preventive) conservation strategies of fluorescent artworks.

Assessing the (In)Stability of Urban Art Paints: From Real Case Studies to Laboratory Investigations of Degradation Processes and Preservation Possibilities

“…Py-GC/MS helped as well in the identification of most of the organic additives, among those several stabilisers, UV-absorbers, plasticisers, fluidifiers, antioxidants, adhesive promoters, glazing agents, biocides as listed in Table 2. In the case of plasticisers, phthalates are those identified in all the studied formulations, and in particular, dimethyl (DMP), diethyl (DEP), dibutyl (DBP) and di-isobutyl (DIBP) phthalate: these compounds are widely found in modern paints as reported in many previous studies [12,34,40,43].…”

“…The supposed low concentration of the colourant agent in NF paint, together with the fluorescent behaviour, did not allow its easy identification either by FTIR and Raman spectroscopies (due to scattering problems). Nevertheless, the peak at 811 cm −1 in the FTIR spectrum of (due to triazine ring in melamine [40]), together with the triazine-based and toluene-sulfonamide-based structures detected in the pyrogram, suggested a synthetic organic dyestuff supported by a triazine-toluene sulfonamide-paraformaldehyde polycondensation resin [41,42].…”

Towards FAIR Data Management in Heritage Science Research: Updates and Progress on the INFRA-ART Spectral Library

“…Around 1960, pigments based on mica platelets were introduced to the market and, from that point onward, continuous development has been taking place in the field [36]. Around the same period (starting with the 1960s), special-effect pigments like UV-and daylight fluorescent pigments were adopted by pop artists such as Andy Warhol [37]. Special-effect pigments are often made up of multiple layers of different materials that work together to create their unique optical properties.…”

Pyrolysis GC-MS Characterization of Plastic Debris from the Northern Gulf of Alaska Shorelines

“…Benzene and other aromatic hydrocarbons were not as conspicuous in this pyrogram as found in the pyrogram of the PVC standard in Figure S6. For the PVC/PET/BFR copolymer, the pyrogram peaks of hydrochloric acid and aromatic compounds suggested the presence of PVC, the peak of benzoguanamine suggested the presence of BFR, 32 and the peak of ethan-1,2diyl divinyl diterephthalate suggested the presence of PET (Figure S15A). The benzoguanamine peak was confirmed by using the NIST Library Search Protocol (Figure S15B).…”