Scientific Documentation of Artifacts by using Visible and Invisible Radiations

The holistic approach for the scientific documentation of works of art makes use of radiation ranging in wavelength from X-rays to infrared (IR) in order to generate an image of the object as a whole visible to the naked eye. Most interesting in this field are x-ray radiography, UV-fluorescence and IR-photography as well as infrared reflectography (IRR). These methods, which are in a strict sense non-destructive, accord well with the way art historians, archaeologists or conservators would like to treat works of art and found early acceptance therefore.

Bernadette Hochleitner, Manfred Schreiner, Michael Mantler

Historical Pigments: A Collection analysed with XRD, XRF and FTIR in order to create a Database

A database of inorganic pigments was compiled, which is based on a collection of historic (19th century) and modern (20th century) pigments present in our institute. The chemical und structural properties of the pigments were determined and used for their classification. The database will be a useful tool for scientists as well as conservators, art historians and archaeologists.

Bernadette Fruehmann, Manfred Schreiner, Michael Drakopoulos

Analysis of Paint Layers by Light Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Synchrotron induced X-ray Micro-Diffraction

The traditional way of analyzing cross-sections of paintlayers by using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in combination with energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis (EDX) is limited by the fact that the pigments can only be identified by their elemental constituents. If, e.g. in a white layer Pb can be determined, the presence of lead white is concluded. As pigments can occur in various crystallographic structures, the compound specific analysis can yield further information.

Synchrotron induced x-ray micro-diffraction analysis (XRD) has the spatial resolution and enables the identification of the crystalline structure of pigments present in a paint layer. Scanning the cross-sectioned sample through a focused x-ray beam with a size of 2 µm allows microscopic resolved analysis of the crystalline constituents within the various paint layers.

Vladan Desnica, Manfred Schreiner

An Approach of Multianalytical Techniques for studying Ultramarine Pigments

A comparative analysis of ultramarine pigments using x-ray fluorescence analysis, x-ray diffractometry, Raman and infrared spectroscopy as well as colorimetry was used. The advantages and disadvantages of the specific methods were evaluated and are discussed.

K. Uhlir, S. Stanek, Robert Linke, Manfred Schreiner

Non-destructive Investigation of Ancient, Medieval and Modern Silver Objects and Coins by EDXRF and SEM/EDX

Ancient, medieval and modern silver coins were analyzed by energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence analysis (EDXRF) and energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis in a scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDX) in order to determine their authenticity and provenance. The examinations show that by analyzing the silver content and determining the trace element pattern it is possible to assign the coins of an unknown origin to their mints. For the interpretation of the data multivariate statistical methods like cluster and factor analysis were carried out. As most of these coins were corroded by wet soil, the influence of leaching effects on the results is also an object of investigation:

1. Friesacher Pfennig
2. Tiroler Kreuzer
3. Sasaniden
4. The Hoard of Becin
5. Roman Silver Coins of the Emperor Trajan
6. The Hoard of Fuchsenhof

Robert Linke, Manfred Schreiner

Corrosion Processes of Ancient Bronze and Modern Gold Coins

A number of bronze coins in the Coin Cabinet of the Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) Vienna is endangered and particularly heavily damaged by corrosion processes. The aim of the project is the development of a new concept for storage conditions of the coins. Therefore, investigations were carried out by means of energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence analysis (EDXRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Additionally, environmental measurements were carried out. The results reveal that the historic wooden storage cases emit gaseous pollutants, which influence the corrosion rate.

On a number of modern (19th cent.) gold coins, which were produced from 24 ct gold, traces of corrosion were observed. Investigations carried out in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) reveal tiny particles of an Ag/Cu alloy, imprinted in the surface of the coin. The Ag/Cu particles were applied during the manufacturing process in the mint. Due to the difference of potentials between Ag, Cu and Au, corrosion occurred yielding to tiny craters on the coin surface. Investigations carried out by energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis in the SEM (SEM/EDX) show traces of sulphur in the craters. Additionally, sulphides were formed on the surfaces of the coins. In co-operation with the conservation department of the Coin Cabinet of the Kunsthistorisches Museum treatments are being developed in order to preserve the affected coins.

Christoph Kleber, Manfred Schreiner

In-situ Investigations of Corrosion Phenomena occurring in the Metal-Atmosphere Interface

A main part of the fundamental research of our group is dealing with in-situ investigations of the early stages of corrosion of metallic and glass materials. In addition to well established methods like in-situ TM-AFM (tapping mode atomic force microscopy) and SIMS (secondary ion mass spectrometry) a new cell for in-situ FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared) investigations was developed and applied for these investigations. The newly developed cell allows a time resolved tracking of the chemical changes occurring on the materials' surfaces during weathering.

Dubravka Jembrih-Simbürger, Manfred Schreiner

Non-destructive Identification and Classification of Iridescent Art Nouveau Artifacts

Art Nouveau iridescent glass has been of great interest for public and private collections ever since this type of glass was produced. Classification and provenance identification have been performed by aesthetic and stylistic evaluations and comprehensive archive studies.
The goal of a project carried out by several Austrian research institutions and the Museum of Applied Art in Vienna is to develop a recognition procedure based on non-destructive analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and x-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) supplemented with efficient data processing algorithms. Additionally, energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis in a scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDX) has been carried out to get better insights in the composition and structure of iridescent Art Nouveau glass artifacts.

Project supported by the Austrian National Bank (Oesterreichische Nationalbank, Jubiläumsfonds).

Katharina Dietrich, Dubravka Jembrih-Simbürger, Manfred Schreiner

Glass of Ephesos - Classification of the Glass Findings from Hanghaus 1

As Ephesos was an important trade center in the Roman period, many excavated objects of daily life are expected to origin from different places. The question of provenance is of special importance for glass findings taking into account the technology of the ancient periods. Raw glass was melt in primary workshops placed in areas with plenty of fuel and with good associations to the sites of raw materials. From these workshops it was exported in form of small chunks to specific places of secondary production.
For that reason samples of glass fragments excavated in Ephesos in a residential area (Hanghaus1) were analyzed using energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis in a scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDX) and mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma excitation combined with laser ablation (LA-ICP MS).

Project supported by the Austrian National Bank (Oesterreichische Nationalbank, Jubiläumsfond)

Dubravka Jembrih-Simbürger, Manfred Schreiner

Analytical Investigations of Silver Stained Glass

Silver stain is a glass paint that has been used by glass artists and glass conservators to achieve a permanent yellow colour. Due to the fact that the final colour of the silver stained glass is strongly dependant on the manufacturing process, the influence of parameters employed during manufacturing is investigated using several analytical methods (XRF, FTIR, SEM/EDX, TEM, and IBA).

Michael Melcher, Manfred Schreiner

Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluation of the Corrosion Attack of Air Pollutants to Potash-Lime-Silica Glass (Medieval Stained Glass)

In the late 1980s a large scale exposure program has been started by the Working Group on Effects on Materials Including Historic and Cultural Monuments of the Economic Commission for Europe within the United Nations (UN/ECE). The aim of this project has been to perform a quantitative evaluation of the effects of various air pollutants as well as climatic parameters on the atmospheric corrosion of important materials like zinc, aluminium, copper, steel, bronze, stone, painting layers and glass. More than 15 countries, among them France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Austria are taking part in this International Cooperative Programme. Our institute is responsible for the preparation and evaluation of glass with a chemical composition similar to medieval staind glass objects.

Dubravka Jembrih-Simbürger, Manfred Schreiner

Ink Corrosion of Paper

The conservation and preservation of paper objects is often confronted with the problem of ink corrosion (degradation of the paper substrate in the domains around the ink). Several research projects have the aim to stop the degradation process of the paper fibers caused by the ink material like iron gall ink. Within the current research project analytical investigations using non-destructive micro x-ray fluorescence analysis (µ-XRF) were performed on original papers with iron gall ink dated to the 19th century (Lavater Collection, ÖNB) as well as on self-prepared test samples with iron gall ink. The aim of these investigations was to study the iron migration from the ink area into the surrounding paper after different treatment methods as well as after artificial ageing. Such measurements enable comparison of the conervation treatments usually used by paper conservators.

Project supported by Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Arbeit,
GZ.: 97.210/14 – IV/A/14/00.

Robert Linke, Manfred Schreiner

Characterisation of the Ageing Process of Binding Media in Objects of Art by GC-MS/FID and FTIR

In order to enable conservation treatments for works of art, which are best suited to specific problems, the understanding of the chemistry of the ageing (degradation) processes is of main importance. In co-operation with the Conservation Science Department at the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna , the Analytical Chemistry Division at the Institute for Chemical Technologies and Analytics at the Vienna University of Technology a network has been set up for studying alteration and degradation processes in organic binding media. Methods employed are GC, GC/MS, PY-GC/MS as well as FTIR spectrometry.

Project supported by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), Project Nr.: 15809-N03