Characterisation by FTIR Spectroscopy of Ink Components in Ancient Manuscripts
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English German French |
| ISSN: | 0034-5806 |
| Online Access: | http://www.viks.sk/chk/res_2_05_105_117.doc |
| Abstract: | SUMMARY. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was applied to the characterization of ink components in ancient manuscripts. A selection of samples were chosen according to their age, acidity and support (paper or parchment). Due to the tiny amount of sample involved, two techniques in conjunction with an infrared microscope, were used. Reflection techniques, such as attenuated total reflectance (ATR) and transmission techniques, such as diamond cell, were compared. A close correlation between the acidity of ink and oxalate salts with different cations was found. Iron(II) sulfate was also detected in some samples. Comparison with other techniques, such as scanning microscopy and gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry, gave good results and corroborated infrared spectra findings CONCLUSION. FTIR allows for the rapid analysis of ink samples on paper or parchment, using both transmission and reflection microscopic techniques. Different compounds were detected in an ink, depending on the state of a sample's pH, corrosion and colour. Calcium oxalate, calcium carbonate, iron sulfate, iron oxalate and iron potassium oxalate were analysed. These findings can provide a useful contribution to the better understanding of the reaction mechanisms involved in the formation and degradation of iron-gall inks |
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| ISSN: | 0034-5806 |
