Applications of advanced atr-ftir spectroscopic imaging to objects of cultural heritage
File(s)
Author(s)
Liu, Guan-Lin
Type
Thesis
Abstract
The aim of this thesis was to create innovative methods for scientific examination of cultural heritage objects. These methods were intended to enhance Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopic imaging approaches using new designs and implementations, optimising experimental procedures. It is hoped that the results of the case studies, including oil paintings, antique photographs, and painted sculptures, along with the advancement of knowledge in this thesis, can aid in the development of scientifically supported and improved conservation strategies.
The analysis of the pigments used by Martiros Saryan was firstly performed in this thesis. The results shed light on the chemical characterisation of the pigments, as well as the formation of degradation products in the pigments such as metal carboxylates and oxalates.
The second case study of oil paintings involved two cartoons by Edward Poynter from the Heritage Collections at the UK Parliament, which have suffered from white crusts. The results of the cross-sectional samples have provided conservators with guidance for cleaning treatments of the white crusts. Metal carboxylates with different crystallinity were successfully characterised. This has explained the possible degradation process associated with the relocation of metal ions from ground layers to form the white crusts on the surface of the paintings.
Subsequent to the study of the oil paintings, the focus of this thesis moved on to three types of 19th–20th black and white antique photographs: salt prints, albumen photographs, and silver gelatine photographs. Successful classification of the three antique photographs and chemical characterisation of different layers within each photograph were achieved. Furthermore, three-dimensional depth profiling experiments were conducted to investigate the surface of the photographs.
The final case study in this thesis examines Donatello’s Virgin and Child sculptures F. Polarisation measurements were implemented to study polarisation behaviours and structural inhomogeneity of the detected chemical components.
The analysis of the pigments used by Martiros Saryan was firstly performed in this thesis. The results shed light on the chemical characterisation of the pigments, as well as the formation of degradation products in the pigments such as metal carboxylates and oxalates.
The second case study of oil paintings involved two cartoons by Edward Poynter from the Heritage Collections at the UK Parliament, which have suffered from white crusts. The results of the cross-sectional samples have provided conservators with guidance for cleaning treatments of the white crusts. Metal carboxylates with different crystallinity were successfully characterised. This has explained the possible degradation process associated with the relocation of metal ions from ground layers to form the white crusts on the surface of the paintings.
Subsequent to the study of the oil paintings, the focus of this thesis moved on to three types of 19th–20th black and white antique photographs: salt prints, albumen photographs, and silver gelatine photographs. Successful classification of the three antique photographs and chemical characterisation of different layers within each photograph were achieved. Furthermore, three-dimensional depth profiling experiments were conducted to investigate the surface of the photographs.
The final case study in this thesis examines Donatello’s Virgin and Child sculptures F. Polarisation measurements were implemented to study polarisation behaviours and structural inhomogeneity of the detected chemical components.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2024-01-04
Date Awarded
01/06/2024
Copyright Statement
Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial Licence
License URL
Advisor
Kazarian, Sergei G.
Publisher Department
Chemical Engineering
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)