Neutron Activation Analysis of Pigments Used in the 16th Century Manuscript from Suceviţa
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English Slovak |
| ISSN: | ISSN 0034-5806 |
| Online Access: | http://www.viks.sk/chk/res_4_87_189_198.doc |
| Abstract: | SUMARRIES. In order to determine the composition of pigments used in the miniatures of the Gospel book from Suceviţa Monastery two techniques of neutron activation analysis have been used. The results obtained permit the definition of the nature of most pigments. The advantages of the streak method in the investigation of miniatures are emphasized. CONCLUSION. Even though the streak method cannot specify element concentrations in the pigment under investigation, it has certain definite advantages. Considering the ratio between elements in the paint, conclusions can be drawn concerning the chemical combination on which the pigment is based. First of all, it can be regarded as a nondestructive technique (indeed, no lacuna was noticed by the naked eye where the quartz tube had abstracted the sample), as it only requires a minute amount for the analysis. Another benefit of the method is that it can study as small a painted area as 2 mm in diameter, which is particularly important for miniatures. Besides, by this method the background of the paper docs not interfere. The number of elements investigated can be increased by using different periods of irradiation for the same sample. Elements so insensitive to neutron activation such as iron can be easily observed when higher neutron fluxes are used for irradiation. Using the gamma spectrometer described earlier with adequate protection, for a 24 h irradiation at a flux of 1013 n cm-2 s-1, the limit for Fe2O3 detection within 1 h of counting time is 0.05 g, that is, much lower than the minimum weight of streak samples. When quartz is not pure enough or when one wishes to avoid interference due to purr quart/ itself (28Al, 29Al, 31Si and bremstrahlung), the sample can be easily separated from the quartz by either acid dissolution or tube-end rubbing on emery paper. We utilized both treatments and good results were obtained. Finally, another benefit of the streak method is that sample-taking does not require removal of the manuscript from its permanent location. |
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| ISSN: | ISSN 0034-5806 |
