Structure: Department of Chemistry
Person in charge: Prof. Silvia Bruni
At the Department of Chemistry, analyses can be carried out on different materials of historical, artistic or archaeological relevance, such as inks, mortars, metallurgical slags, leather artifacts etc. The analysis can also affect deterioration products.
Below are some examples of the services available.
Analysis of pigments and binders in paintings
Non-invasive analysis in-situ and laboratory analysis (microanalysis)
Techniques and tools:
- Portable equipment: micro-FTIR and micro-Raman techniques, micro-spectrofluorimetry and reflection in the visible spectrum
- Laboratory tools: micro-FTIR, micro-Raman and micro-FT-Raman techniques, SEM-EDX, micro-spectrofluorimetry
Analysis of organic dyes both natural and synthetic
In-situ and laboratory analysis
Techniques and tools:
- Portable equipment for fluorescence and reflection in the visible spectrum measurements
- laboratory techniques for HPLC and SERS (Raman spectroscopy intensified by surface effect) possibly coupled to the TLC technique
Studies on archaeological pottery
The analysis may be aimed at identifying the provenance, firing technology and decoration
Techniques and tools:
- spectroscopy techniques for elemental (FAAS, ICP-AES, SEM-EDX) and mineralogical (FTIR, XRD) analysis
Identification of archaeological organic residues
The analysis can be carried out on different materials such as resins, balms, oils and fats, waxes, food remains
Techniques and tools:
- chromatographic (GC-MS) and spectroscopic (FTIR, NMR FT-Raman) techniques