Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the analytical study of works of art for purposes of diagnosis and conservation

This paper is a study of the analytical capacity of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) for any type of samples from works of art. The analytical information obtained with this technique on organic and inorganic compounds is extremely useful in the preliminary studies necessary for diagnosis and to decide on the conservation process. This paper reports the analysis and study with FT-IR on samples extracted from the microlayers in several works of art from different periods (16th to 18th century) comprising wall paintings and canvas. The most outstanding of these being the frescoes by A. Palomino from two ceilings in the Santos Juanes church. The analytical procedures for the different components of the works studied such as

1. (a) varnish applied to wood panels and canvas paintings,

2. (b) binding media and pigments used by the artists,

3. (c) inerts, mortars, stuccos and grounds have been optimized. The FT-IR technique offers a quick analysis of microsamples (less than 0.5 mg) and is able to characterise the different molecular groups which provide information on the nature of the different materials of organic and inorganic origin used by the artist and thus permits the diagnosis of pathologies requiring conservation treatment.

How mobile NMR can help with the conservation of paintings

The conservation of paintings is fundamental to ensure that future generations will have access to the ideas of the grand masters who created these art pieces. Many factors, such as humidity, temperature, light, and pollutants, pose a risk to the conservation of paintings. To help with painting conservation, it is essential to be able to noninvasively study how these factors affect paintings and to develop methods to investigate their effects on painting degradation. Hence, the use of mobile nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) as a method of investigation of paintings is gaining increased attention in the world of Heritage Science. In this mini-review, we discuss how this method was used to better understand the stratigraphy of paintings and the effect different factors have on the painting integrity, to analyze the different cleaning techniques suitable for painting conservation, and to show how mobile NMR can be used to identify forgeries. It is also important to keep in mind its limitations and build upon this information to optimize it to extend its applicability to the study of paintings and other precious objects of cultural heritage.     

盐湖资源开发利用进展

本世纪头十年里,国际上再度掀起盐湖资源开发热潮。这很大程度上是由于锂的开发热带动的,同时也是和钾肥的广泛施用、价格一路走高有关。南美安第斯高原地区盐湖蕴藏世界70%以上的锂资源,且卤水锂、钾、硼浓度高。该地区极度干旱,少雨多风,非常适合采用卤水盐田蒸发的节能浓缩工艺技术。老的盐湖开发企业则在钾肥需求的带动下,稳步发展。在我国,新疆罗布泊和青海柴达木盆地盐湖则钾锂镁硼产品多元化,经营多元化取得长足进步。本文对近十年来,国内外盐湖开发的新动向做了概括介绍,特别着重于南美"锂三角"地区这一新的生长点。     

Two-dimension fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to characterize the binding of organic ligands with zinc in eutrophic lake

Metal binding of organic ligands can definitely affect its environmental behavior in waters, while information on the binding heterogeneity with different organic ligands is still lacked till now. In this study, the binding of zinc with organic matters associated with cyanobacterial blooms, including dissolved organic matters (DOM) and attached organic matters (AOM), were studied by using fluorescence quenching titration combined with two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS). Metal-induced fluorescent quenching was obviously observed both for DOM and AOM, indicating the formation of metal-ligand complexes. Compared with the one-dimensional spectra, 2D-COS revealed the sequences of metal-ligand interaction with the following orders: 276 nm > 232 nm for DOM and 232 nm > 276 nm for AOM. Furthermore, the modified Stern-Volmer model showed that the binding constant (log KM) of 276 nm in DOM was higher than that of 232 nm (4.93 vs. 4.51), while AOM was characterized with a high binding affinity for 232 nm (log KM: 4.83). The ranks of log KM values were consistent with the sequential orders derived from 2D-COS results both for the two samples. Fluorescence quenching titration combined with 2D-COS was an effective method to characterize the metal-ligand interaction.     

Design,Synthesis, and Phenotypic Profiling of Pyrano‐Furo‐Pyridone Pseudo Natural Products

Natural products (NPs) inspire the design and synthesis of novel biologically relevant chemical matter, for instance through biology‐oriented synthesis (BIOS). However, BIOS is limited by the partial coverage of NP‐like chemical space by the guiding NPs. The design and synthesis of “pseudo NPs” overcomes these limitations by combining NP‐inspired strategies with fragment‐based compound design through de novo combination of NP‐derived fragments to unprecedented compound classes not accessible through biosynthesis. We describe the development and biological evaluation of pyrano‐furo‐pyridone (PFP) pseudo NPs, which combine pyridone‐ and dihydropyran NP fragments in three isomeric arrangements. Cheminformatic analysis indicates that the PFPs reside in an area of NP‐like chemical space not covered by existing NPs but rather by drugs and related compounds. Phenotypic profiling in a target‐agnostic “cell painting” assay revealed that PFPs induce formation of reactive oxygen species and are structurally novel inhibitors of mitochondrial complex I.     

Pigment identification and decoration analysis of a 5th century Chinese lacquer painting screen: a micro‐Raman and FTIR study

To investigate the pigments and decoration applied to a wood‐based lacquer painting screen from the tomb of Si‐ma Jin‐long, Shanxi Province, central China, made by Chinese craftsmen in the 5th century, a combination of micro‐Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), wavelength dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (WDXRF), and microscopic examination was used. The obtained results are as follows: (1) the black, yellow, and red colors are identified as carbon black, orpiment and realgar, and cinnabar, respectively, by using micro‐Raman spectroscopy. The FTIR result shows that the white pigment filled in the leaves is not lead white, as assumed in the literature, but gypsum. Whether lead white was used at other locations remains unanswered and requires more samples for further work; (2) the thickness of each discernable pigment layer, as observed under the microscope, is approximately equal and the differences among them are small, suggesting a superfine painting skill; besides, a noticeable smooth interface between wood and the red grounding substance indicates that a polishing process might have been applied before the painting; (3) the red background was proved to contain cinnabar, but further FTIR analyses found no evidence for the presence of Chinese wood oil; and (4) the most interesting finding, rarely reported before, is that white grains of different sizes are found in both pigment layers and the grounding substance, which are perhaps an intentional addition. Further, in situ XRF and Raman analyses indicate that they are sourced from hydroxyapatite, coming probably from the intentional addition of animal bone ash to the lacquer. But how such a process could be finished and what purpose it served have not yet been answered. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

目标红外迷彩伪装技术研究

随着红外迷彩伪装涂料的出现,利用其对目标红外热图像进行分割,破坏目标图像特征的特点,为目标红外对抗提供了一种新的有效手段.首先,以传热模型为基础,模拟出目标的表面温度,并通过实测得出背景的表面瞬态温度.然后,利用随机生成的方法,生成背景的红外纹理图像.最后,以目标与背景的辐射对比度为基础,对红外迷彩涂料的设计参数进行了优化,分析了红外迷彩涂料的设计参数和图案设计对目标伪装效果的影响,达到了较好的红外伪装效果.     

Scientific investigations of the Imperial Gates from the Petrindu wooden church,Salaj County,Romania

In order to preserve and restore the Imperial Gates from the Petrindu wooden church, Salaj County, Romania, (map location—latitude, longitude: 46.97, 23.19), the scientific investigation of the wooden support and painting materials (ground and pigments) was performed, employing Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and 3D scanning. FTIR spectroscopy offered information about the wooden degradation stage, whereas X‐ray fluorescence and FTIR spectroscopic methods were employed for structural painting materials characterization. The structural data can be correlated with the artistic, theological, and historical analysis of this religious patrimony object. After obtaining information about the wooden support and painting materials, the Imperial Gates were 3D digitized using state of the art laser scanning technology. The digital 3D model obtained was restored in a virtual environment and converted into an interactive 3D model that can be used for Romanian cultural heritage digital dissemination.