Austin Nevin

Stratigraphic analysis of organic materials in wall painting samples using micro-FTIR attenuated total reflectance and a novel sample preparation technique

Wall paintings typically contain low concentrations of organic materials within a largely inorganic matrix and are characterised by their high porosity and long-term exposure to severe environmental conditions. The identification of organic materials within specific paint or plaster layers is challenging and the inherent characteristics of wall painting samples present further complications. Embedding materials (such as epoxy, polyester and acrylic-based resins) used to produce cross-sections often infiltrate porous and leanly bound samples, and compromise the interpretation of Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectra and the qualitative identification of natural organic materials. An alternative method for the preparation of cross-sections of wall painting samples was developed using cyclododecane (C12H24) as a temporary consolidant and barrier coating to encapsulate the sample, and to provide necessary support to produce a cross-section through microtoming. Impacts of traditional and novel sample preparation techniques on the identification of organic materials with micro-FTIR-ATR were examined for both replica and real wall painting samples.

Fully-Non-Contact Masking-Based Holography Inspection on Dimensionally Responsive Artwork Materials

Environmental control in galleries and museums is a necessity and is informed by the knowledge of ongoing processes of deterioration which can threaten the integrity and stability of artworks. Invisible dimensional changes in many works of art occur following environmental fluctuations as materials respond to the changes in humidity and temperature. The constant influence of dimensional changes usually remains invisible until displacement generates visible deterioration and irreversible damage. This paper exploits fully non contact coherent interferometry in a sequential masking procedure for visualising and studying surface deformation which is the direct effect of dimensional alterations induced by humidity changes. Surface deformation during dimensional displacements of constituent materials may occur on any artwork within an unstable environment. In this context, the presented research study explores the diagnostic potential of fully non contact sensors for the direct structural assessment of environmental effects as they occur in real time on works of art. The method is employed to characterise material responses, complementing and improving understanding of material behaviour in unstable environments.

Multianalytical Study of Laser Pulse Duration Effects in the IR Laser Cleaning of Wall Paintings from the Monumental Cemetery of Pisa

The feasibility of laser cleaning for the removal of a variety of surface deposits from fragments of real wall paintings from the monumental cemetery of Pisa using Nd:YAG at 1064 nm at (μs), (ns), and (ps) regimes is presented. Multianalytical investigations of the samples from irradiated surfaces of fragments were carried out in order to characterize the original and added materials and to detect any laser-induced alterations; analysis included scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier ntransform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), npyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (PY-GC-MS), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The presence of nitrocellulose and pure lead contaminations on the surface of the samples has been identified. Assessment of the laser cleaning has highlighted the importance of the optimization of laser parameters, specifically pulse duration and fluence at the specified wavelength.