Species Identification of Palm Leaf Manuscript Based on Py-GC/MS

Abstract

Palm Leaf Manuscripts (PLMs) are commonly crafted from leaves of the talipot palm (Corypha umbraculifera) and the palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer). To identify PLMs made from these two palm species, one chemical marker from the talipot palm and three from the palmyra palm are identified by application of Pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). These markers have successfully and been identified in recently manufactured PLMs as well as certain naturally aged PLMs, which indicates that they have specific identification values. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) on selected lignin pyrolysis products reveal a significant difference between the talipot palm and the three groups of the palmyra palm. For the identification of aged PLMs, a combination of the two analytical methods (Py-GC/MS and PCA) is necessary for accurate determination and discrimination of markers. This study provides a solid scientific foundation for determining the source plant species of ancient PLMs.