The application of X-ray absorption spectroscopy in archaeological conservation: Example of an artefact from Henry VIII warship, the Mary Rose

Chadwick, Alan V.; Berko, Aaron; Schofield, Eleanor J.; Smith, Andrew D.; Mosselmans, J. F. W.; Jones, A.; Cibin, Giannantonio

doi:10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2016.05.020

Cited by 13 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…The high level of inorganic sulfur-containing mineral in the material indicates a likely route to enhanced degradation of the wood through oxidative generation of sulfuric acid, lowering the pH of microenvironments within the wood. Finding a solution to the acidification of wood by sulfur compounds is a major focus of current research in the conservation community 59–63 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Deterioration of the Hanson Logboat: chemical and imaging assessment with removal of polyethylene glycol conserving agent

Pinder

Panter

Abbott

et al. 2017

Sci Rep

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The state of preservation of wood in two samples from the Hanson Logboat, currently on display in Derby Museum and Art Gallery, was analysed using elemental analysis (EA), pyrolysis–gas chromatography/flame ionisation detection (Py-GC/FID), pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py–GC/MS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The samples were collected in 2003, after the boat had undergone conservation, and in 2011 after the condition of the boat began to deteriorate. Solvent extraction enabled removal of polyethylene glycol, with which the wood had been impregnated during conservation, allowing the degradation of the cellulose and lignin polymeric components of the woods to be assessed. Elemental compositions (C, H, N, O, S), Py–GC/FID, Py-GC/MS and SEM imaging reveal extensive degradation of the wood polymers during the eight year period since conservation.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Deterioration of the Hanson Logboat: chemical and imaging assessment with removal of polyethylene glycol conserving agent

Pinder

Panter

Abbott

et al. 2017

Sci Rep

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“…Alternative analytical techniques, including Atomic Absorption Spectrometry/ Electrothermal atomization (AAS/ ETA-AAS) (Krutul et al 2010, Kolar et al 2014, Microfocus X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) (Chadwick et al 2016), Scanning Electron Microscopy with EDX (SEM/EDS), Electron Microprobe Analysis (EPMA) (Mustoe G.E 2023), and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) (Baar et al 2019), recognised for their accuracy in determination and quantification of chemical elements in diverse samples, might be employed for validation. Nevertheless, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy maintains its efficacy as an effective method for elemental investigation of wood and subfossil wood (Pereira Junior.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

11th Hardwood Conference Proceedings

2024

Hardwood Conference Proceedings

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Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is the most widespread non-native tree species in Europe and has had a significant impact on the Central European landscape and forestry. The black locust has many exceptional characteristics that represent considerable potential for use by man. The climate shift in recent decades in Central Europe could further strengthen the importance of this tree species. However, there are also risks arising from the invasiveness of the black locust. Like Hungary, Czechia has had many years of experience with this tree species. Still, the current approach between these two countries, particularly in conventional forestry, differs. This paper attempts to summarise how the management of Robinia and its stands is viewed in Czechia, where the common forestry utilization of black locust is currently not considered due to its invasiveness. The reason for a more reserved forestry attitude in Czechia can be associated with the relatively frequent stem deformities of Robinia stands, which are often attributed to frost. However, the frost deformities and low stem-form quality of some Robinia stands do not affect their vigour and potential to invade adjacent habitats. It often takes considerable effort to remove black locust, especially where the spreading of Robinia threatens valuable adjacent ecosystems. On the other hand, there is great potential for the use of Robinia in Czechia. It can be found in controlled energy crops, fast-growing plantations (lignicultures), some land reclamation projects or urban greenery. Robinia can also be grown in small stands or in groups of trees surrounded by arable land that does not allow the tree to spontaneously spread. Regarding the production plantations of Robinia, the Hungarian experience and breeding program can be very inspiring for Czechia. Generally, there is a move towards 'site-specific management', but with a strong emphasis on the precautionary principle. Finding and then consistently applying a balanced approach to black locust management that not only allows for the potential but also respects the risks of Robiniait is currently a key challenge for Czech forestry, landscape and nature conservation.

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“…The latter usually require cutting a small volume of wood with a razor blade, dehydrating the samples through an acetone series, and finally gold sputtering [35]. In addition, SEM, equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) system, allows the analysis of the inorganic chemical composition of the cell wall and various inclusions [32,36]. This technique thus offers the possibility of detecting and characterizing the minerals present in WAW, usually silica, pyrites or calcium carbonate, which indicate the beginning of the process of fossilisation [37].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Scanning Electron Microscopy Protocol for Studying Anatomy of Highly Degraded Waterlogged Archaeological Wood

Balzano

Merela

Čufar

2022

Forests

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Waterlogged archaeological wood (WAW), approximately 4500 years old, from the prehistoric pile-dwelling settlement at Ljubljansko barje, Slovenia, was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We propose a simplified protocol for sample preparation and the SEM technique for the study of highly degraded WAW of Quercus, Faxinus, Acer, Salix and Populus, representing taxa with different wood properties. We present the advantages of the proposed technique for wood identification, the observation of various anatomical features and for the study of cell wall degradation. SEM, equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), allowed us to detect significant amounts of Fe, S and Ca with different appearances, amounts and distributions in the wood of the studied taxa. In the case of Populus, an increased amount of Si was also detected. The applied SEM protocol allowed characterisation of the anatomy of the highly degraded WAW while reducing the time required for sample preparation and examination under the microscope, as well as extending the lifetime of the SEM components (e.g., tungsten filament), compared to the situation when we analyse wood samples with a greater volume.

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The application of X-ray absorption spectroscopy in archaeological conservation: Example of an artefact from Henry VIII warship, the Mary Rose

Cited by 13 publications

References 40 publications

Deterioration of the Hanson Logboat: chemical and imaging assessment with removal of polyethylene glycol conserving agent

Deterioration of the Hanson Logboat: chemical and imaging assessment with removal of polyethylene glycol conserving agent

11th Hardwood Conference Proceedings

Scanning Electron Microscopy Protocol for Studying Anatomy of Highly Degraded Waterlogged Archaeological Wood

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