Analysis of organic colouring and binding components in colour layer of art works

Two methods of analysis of organic components of colour layers of art works have been tested: IR microspectroscopy of indigo, Cu-phthalocyanine, and Prussian blue, and MALDI-TOF-MS of proteinaceous binders and a protein-containing red dye. The IR spectra distortion common for smooth outer surfaces and polished cross sections of colour layer of art works is suppressed by reflectance measurement of microtome slices. The detection limit of the three blue pigments examined is ~0.3 wt% in reference colour layers in linseed oil binder with calcite as extender and lead white as a drying agent. The sensitivity has been sufficient to identify Prussian blue in repaints on a Gothic painting. MALDI-TOF-MS has been used to identify proteinaceous binders in two historical paintings, namely isinglass (fish glue) and rabbit glue. MALDI-TOF-MS has also been proposed for identification of an insect red dye, cochineal carmine, according to its specific protein component. The enzymatic cleavage with trypsin before MALDI-TOF-MS seems to be a very gentle and specific way of dissolution of the colour layers highly polymerised due to very long aging of old, e.g. medieval, samples.     

Micro-Raman analysis of coloured lithographs

Raman micro-spectroscopy was chosen for analysis and identification of the pigments present in four nineteenth-century hand-coloured lithographs, as this technique has several advantages over others for this purpose. The possibility of performing completely non-destructive analysis without any sampling is probably one of its most favourable qualities for art analysis. Raman spectroscopy can also be used to determine some pigments that cannot be detected using FTIR, such as vermilion, carbon blacks, cadmium pigments, etc. Among others, Prussian blue, ultramarine blue, carbon black, chrome yellow, yellow ochre, red lead, red iron oxide, burnt Sienna, indigo blue, chrome orange, phthalocyanine green, and some other organic pigments, were determined in the specimens. The results obtained have led to doubts about the age of the lithographs.     

Raman microscopy of Greek icons: identification of unusual pigments

Five Greek icons, made between the 15th and 18th centuries and now belonging to the Victoria and Albert Museum collections, were analysed by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), optical microscopy and Raman microscopy in order to determine the stratigraphy of the artworks and the identity of the pigments used. Together with common pigments, such as red lake, vermilion, red lead, red iron oxide, orpiment, yellow ochre, lead white, chalk, gypsum, anhydrite, Prussian blue, indigo and a copper-containing green, a few unusual materials were identified, specifically pararealgar (a yellow arsenic sulphide, As4S4), its precursor the chi-phase, and lead tin yellow type II (PbSn(1-x)SixO3). Attention is drawn to the complementarity of the techniques used for the pigment identifications.     

Oxidations and reductions of iron-cyanogen compounds of cobalt,nickel, cadmium and zinc

I. Cobalt ferrocyanide is oxidized by bromine water, by nitrous acid or by hydrogen peroxide in presence of acids to cobalt ferroferricyanide (cobalt Prussian blue), while cobalt ferricyanide is reduced by sulfurous acid to cobalt Prussian blue.II. Nickel ferrocyanide is oxidized by nitrous acid or by hydrogen peroxide in presence of acids to nickel ferricyanide.III. Nickel ferrocyanide and cadmium ferrocyanide are oxidized by bromine water to the ferricyanides.IV. The ferricyanides of nickel, cadmium and zinc are reduced by sulfurous acid to the ferrocyanides.     

Identification of naphthoquinonic and anthraquinonic dyes via sequential potential steps applied to the voltammetry of microparticles methodology

An electrochemical method for identifying anthraquinonic, naphthoquinonic, and related dyes in microsamples is reported. This method is based on the sequential application of oxidative and reductive constant-potential polarization steps coupled with the record of square wave voltammograms to solid microsamples of dyes in contact with aqueous electrolytes. As a result, oxidized/reduced products form a layer on the lateral faces of the dye crystals as suggested by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy data. This methodology is applied for characterizing alizarin, purpurin, and natural dyes aloe, cochineal red, madder lake, kermes, shellac, and henna attached to paraffin-impregnated graphite electrodes in contact with aqueous potassium phosphate buffer.     

Investigation of the colourants used in icons of the Cretan School of iconography

The red shades of 13 icons (15th-17th century) of the Cretan School of iconography are investigated in detail to identify the inorganic and organic colouring materials comprising the paint layers. Examination of sample cross-sections is performed with optical microscopy. Micro-Raman spectroscopy and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to a photodiode array detector are employed for the identification of the inorganic and organic colouring materials, respectively. The results reveal the extensive use of coccid dyes by the Cretan painters: kermes (Kermes vermilio Planchon) is found in icons dated before the middle 16th century and cochineal in icons created several decades after the discovery of the New World. Other dyestuffs detected in the historical samples are madder (possibly Rubia tinctorum L., according to HPLC profiles), soluble redwood and indigoid dyes. Organic dyes were used by the painters as exclusive colouring matters (or glazes) or in mixtures with inorganic pigments, such as red ochre, cinnabar, minium, azurite lead white and carbon black.Liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) coupled to a negative electrospray ionization mode is employed to provide information on the identity of some unknown colouring components, of the aforementioned dyes, detected in the historical samples. The results suggest that (i) the type B compound (also known as Bra′) is a dehydro-brazilein product and (ii) the deprotonated molecular ion of the type C compound corresponds to m/z = 243. Both compounds are commonly used as markers for the identification of soluble redwood in historical samples. LC-MS analysis of cochineal shows that the dcIV and dcVII components are isomeric with carminic acid, as it has been recently suggested. Finally, LC-MS is employed to identify and record kermesic and flavokermesic acid in kermes and rubiadin in wild madder.     

REDOX DYES AS ARTIFICIAL PHOTORECEPTORS IN LIGHT-DEPENDENT CAROTENOID SYNTHESIS*

Abstract— The photodynamically active dyes methylene blue, toluidine blue, and neutral red act as artificial photoreceptors in light-dependent carotenoid synthesis in Fusarium aquaeductuum. Normally, carotenoid production is only induced by light of wavelengths shorter than 520 nm, but when mycelia are incubated with neutral red, methylene blue, and toluidine blue, red light is also effective in inducing carotenogenesis. Experiments with methylene blue and red light showed that pigments induced under these conditions are qualitatively the same as those induced with white light, and also that, in accord with the results found for photoinduction with white light, the amount of pigment synthesized was proportional to the logarithm of illumination time. In addition to their role in photoinduction, the dyes were also shown to interfere with the biosynthesis of carotenoids, whereas addition after irradiation caused an increase in pigment production that involves a quantitative change in the more unsaturated components.     

Analysis of natural red dyes (cochineal) in textiles of historical importance using HPLC and multivariate data analysis

A new analytical approach based on high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and multivariate data analysis was applied and assessed for analyzing the red dye extracted from cochineal insects, used in precious historical textiles. The most widely used method of analysis involves quantification of specific minor compounds (markers), using HPLC-DAD. However, variation in the cochineal markers concentration, use of aggressive dye extraction methods and poor resolution of HPLC chromatograms can compromise the identification of the precise insect species used in the textiles. In this study, a soft extraction method combined with a new dye recovery treatment was developed, capable of yielding HPLC chromatograms with good resolution, for the first time, for historical cochineal-dyed textiles. After principal components analysis (PCA) and mass spectrometry (MS), it was possible to identify the cochineal species used in these textiles, in contrast to the accepted method of analysis. In order to compare both methodologies, 7 cochineal species and 63 historical cochineal insect specimens were analyzed using the two approaches, and then compared with the results for 15 historical textiles in order to assess their applicability to real complex samples. The methodology developed here was shown to provide more accurate and consistent information than the traditional method. Almost all of the historical textiles were dyed with Porphyrophora sp. insects. These results emphasize the importance of adopting the proposed methodology for future research on cochineal (and related red dyes). Mild extraction methods and HPLC-DAD/MSⁿ analysis yield distinctive profiles, which, in combination with a PCA reference database, are a powerful tool for identifying red insect dyes.     

The infrared microspectroscopic and energy dispersive X-ray analysis of paints removed from a painted, medieval sculpture of Saint Wolfgang

A spectroscopic study of paints removed from a 15th century sculpture depicting Saint Wolfgang, which is housed in the Ball State Museum of Art, was performed. Infrared spectra on the minute paint samples were obtained using a microscope accessory in the transmission mode, and the spectra were compared to reference spectra of known art pigments and materials. In addition, energy dispersive X-ray spectra were obtained using a scanning electron microscope source. Although many of the pigments found are relatively modern pigments, the first application of paint is composed of materials consistent with the sculpture's medieval date. Pigments identified include brass gilding, calcium carbonate, China clay, lac dye, orpiment, Prussian blue, satin ochre, ultramarine blue and red, and zinc chromate. A zinc tungate finish was also identified.     

Investigation of crimson-dyed fibres for a new approach on the characterization of cochineal and kermes dyes in historical textiles

The colorant behaviour of cochineal and kermes insect dyes in 141 experimentally-dyed and 28 artificially-aged samples of silk and wool was investigated using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to photodiode array detector (UHPLC-PDA), liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) and image scanning electron microscopy – energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Partial-least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was then used to model the acquired UHPLC-PDA data and assess the possibility of discriminating cochineal insect species, as well as their correspondent dyed and aged reference fibres. The resulting models helped to characterize a set of 117 red samples from 95 historical textiles, in which UHPLC-PDA analyses have reported the presence of cochineal and kermes insect dyes.     

Electrochemical identification of anthraquinone-based dyes in solid microsamples by square wave voltammetry using graphite/polyester composite electrodes.

An electrochemical method for identifying anthraquinone-type dyes in microsamples from works of art, based in the voltammetry of microparticles approach, is reported. Upon attachment onto graphite/polyester composite electrodes, natural pigments aloe, henna, cochineal red, madder lake, kermes, shellac, and alizarin and purpurin taken as reference materials can be identified from their square wave voltammetric profiles in MeCN (0.10 mol L(-1) Bu(4)NPF(6)) and aqueous (0.25 mol L(-1) acetic acid+0.25 mol L(-1) sodium acetate) electrolytes.     

Improvements in the wallpaper industry during the second half of the 19th century: micro-Raman spectroscopy analysis of pigmented wallpapers

Scientific studies of the pigments used in the manufacturing process of some pigmented wallpapers are presented in this work. Non-destructive micro-Raman spectroscopy was selected for this purpose, and provides important information about how the 19th century wallpaper industry incorporated new materials in their works and designs. At the same time, analysis can help to date the samples of uncatalogued wallpapers. Chrome yellow, burnt Sienna, Prussian blue, ultramarine blue, red lead, carbon black, calcium carbonate, red iron oxide and a red organic pigment were identified. According to the palette used, as well as to the manufacturing process, the wallpapers in this study can be dated to the second half of the 19th century.     

Simultaneous identification of historical pigments Prussian blue and indigo in paintings by electrospray mass spectrometry

A new analytical protocol for identification of Prussian blue (PB) and indigo was proposed. Pigments useful for dating of artworks were detected by flow injection analysis/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry after alkalization of their suspensions in water, decomposition of PB to iron (III) hydroxide and hexacyanoferrate (II) and reduction of indigo to soluble leucoindigo using sodium dithionite. Limits of detection (PB 47 pg, indigo 59 pg) complied with requirements for analysis of microsamples of historical paintings. Potential of the developed method was proven in analysis of blue samples of two oil paintings from the 20^th century. Further, PB was confirmed in a microsample from a painting of ‘Crucifixion’, St. Sebestian church on St. Hill in Mikulov, Czech Republic. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Electric-field-induced conductance switching in FeCo Prussian blue analogues

FeCo Prussian blue analogues, which are known as typical molecule-based magnets, exhibited abrupt conductance switching by applying a high electric field as well as by varying the temperature. The current density versus electric field (J-E) curves of FeCo Prussian blue with Rb cations in interstitial sites shows so-called negative resistance effects at electric fields higher than the threshold voltage. This means that the FeCo Prussian blue analogues are multiproperty materials in the sense that their conducting, magnetic, and optical properties can be reversibly controlled by certain external stimuli.     

Raman,X‐Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopies and Graphene Oxide Modified Screen Printed Electrodes to Identify the Pigments and Earth Present in Ancient Leather Samples

Micro‐Raman and X‐Ray Fluorescence combined with electrochemical techniques proved to be suitable for the unambiguous identification of the green pigment in a very deteriorated historical leather. The colouring matter resulted in a mixture of blue and yellow. Raman identified the blue indigo, whereas iron and arsenic were identified by XRF. The redox status of these two elements was investigated by Square Wave Cathodic Stripping Voltammetry (SWCSV). Results demonstrated the presence of As(III), probably As₂S₃ (orpiment), and Fe(III), characterising the red earths. The quantitative results obtained by SWCSV were also confirmed for Fe and As by ICP‐MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass spectrometry). Voltammetric techniques, applied here for the identification of the redox status of the elements, contained in pigments, are useful to understand two important aspects: the chemical‐physical composition of the colors and the best strategy to be applied for the preservation of the pigments in ancient/deteriorated artwork objects.     

Prussian Blue/Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite for the Amperometric Determination of Dopamine and Hydrogen Peroxide

Prussian blue has significant application for the construction of electrochemical biosensors. In this work, Prussian blue-reduced graphene oxide modified glass carbon electrodes were successfully fabricated using electrochemical deposition. The high surface area of graphene oxide enhanced the deposition of Prussian blue and the resulting electrocatalytic activity. Infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed that the relatively porous Prussian blue was on the surface of reduced graphene oxide. Cyclic voltammetry showed that Prussian blue-coated reduced graphene oxide composite films improved electron transfer compared to Prussian blue films. The Prussian blue-reduced graphene oxide composite film provided higher response for the reduction of hydrogen peroxide and the oxidation of dopamine compared with the Prussian blue film due to synergistic effects between the reduced graphene oxide and Prussian blue particles. The sensitivity of the electrode was 0.1617 µA µM^?1 cm^?2. The linear dynamic range extended from 0.5 µM to 0.7 mM dopamine with a limit of detection equal to 125 nM. This work provided a versatile strategy for the design and construction of sensitive amperometric sensors with robust electrocatalytic behavior.     

A non-invasive XRF study supported by multivariate statistical analysis and reflectance FTIR to assess the composition of modern painting materials

The palette used in two paintings by Paul Cézanne, L'étang des soeurs dated c. 1875 and La route tournante, made in the last year of his life (1902), were analyzed using non-invasive spectroscopic methods. X-ray fluorescence combined with principal components analysis (PCA) and supported by reflectance near- and mid-FTIR was shown to be a powerful analytical tool to draw conclusions about the chemical identification of inorganic materials in paintings. Pigments and fillers such us Thénard's blue, Prussian blue, red ochre, kaolin, vermilion, lead white, zinc white and barium sulphate, were identified. Evidence for three different pigments, namely a copper arsenite pigment, chrome green (a mixture of chrome yellow and Prussian blue) and viridian has been obtained by the PCA analysis of elemental compositions of green hues.     

Color and fastness of natural dyes encapsulated by a sol-gel process for dyeing natural and synthetic fibers

Natural dyes, namely, indigo carmine, cochineal carmine, curcumin and annatto, were encapsulated in silica by a sol-gel method and applied in the dyeing of different textile fibers by exhaustion. For comparative reasons, dyeing using the free (non-encapsulated) bare dyes was also carried out. The hybrid materials were analyzed by a set of techniques to investigate their elemental, structural, textural and morphological properties, and the results showed that it was possible to obtain stable natural dyes for applications in textile dyeing. The silica-structured dyes showed better affinities with the fibers (WO, PA, PAC and PET) in dyeing with cochineal carmine, while cotton (CO) showed better affinities with the encapsulated curcumin and annatto dyes. The performances of the encapsulated dyes were evaluated by color and washing fastness measurements and resulted in improved dye absorption and wash fastness properties. The color change and color transfer measurements of the encapsulated dyes were better (rated at 4–5 on a scale of 1–5) compared to the bare dyes.

Open image in new window

     

彩色不锈钢与氧化着色

通过化学或电化学手段与技术促使不锈钢表面发生氧化生成的钝化膜,不仅能够保护金属免受腐蚀,还能产生光干涉效应,使不锈钢不再是单一的银白色,而是呈现红橙黄绿蓝靛紫等不同的颜色,扩展了不锈钢的应用范围.