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Non-destructive Techniques for Cultural Heritage Characterization

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 December 2022) | Viewed by 29967

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Daniela Di Martino

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Dipartimento di Fisica “G. Occhialini”, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
Interests: non-destructive characterization of heritage items; neutron-based techniques; archeometallurgy; archeometry; vibrational spectroscopy; Raman spectroscopy; glass

Dr. Maria Pia Riccardi

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Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Interests: cultural heritage; archaeometry; geoanthropology; georesources; sustainable supply chain; sustainable development goals
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Dr. Massimiliano Clemenza

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Dipartimento di Fisica “G. Occhialini”, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
Interests: INAA and PGNAA; muonic atom X-ray spectroscopy; low radioactivity measurement techniques; rare events research

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

At the forefront of archeometric research, scientists are exploring consolidated and new techniques to achieve the in-depth non-destructive characterization of cultural heritage. When unique and precious samples are considered, conservation and preservation are mandatory issues. Yet, the definition of “non-destructive techniques” is multi-faceted, and sampling could be also included, for example, during a restoration. However, non-destructive techniques should include all scientific techniques that avoid damage and are used in preservation of artifacts (or parts of it, if sampled), addressed in multidisciplinary studies.

Applied Sciences will dedicate a Special Issue to non-destructive techniques applied to cultural heritage, with the presentation of new approaches and new challenges in neutron- and muon-based analysis.

Contributions discussing all aspects, as indicated by the keywords, and review articles by experts in the field are welcome.

Dr. Daniela Di Martino
Prof. Dr. Maria Pia Riccardi
Dr. Massimiliano Clemenza
Guest Editors

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Keywords

archeometry
non-destructive analyses
neutron-based techniques
muonic atom X-ray spectroscopy
scanning electron microscopy
cultural heritage
technology
provenance
conservation

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 1687 KiB

Open AccessArticle

External Beam IBA Measurements for Cultural Heritage

by Massimo Chiari

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(5), 3366; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13053366 - 6 Mar 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1775

Abstract

Ion beam analysis (IBA) methods refer to a set of analytical techniques based on the interactions of energetic ions, produced by a particle accelerator, with matter. The result of such interactions is the emission of characteristic radiation, X and gamma rays, and charged particles, which, upon detection, provide valuable information on the absolute concentration and depth distribution of the elements in the bombarded material. Moreover, IBA techniques can be performed while maintaining the object to be investigated at atmospheric pressure, without placing it in vacuum, in an analysis chamber, with the impinging ion beam extracted from the in-vacuum beamline of the accelerator, avoiding the need of invasive sampling and greatly easing the object positioning, thus allowing precious and big or large artefacts to be studied. This feature has opened the way for applications of IBA techniques for compositional analysis in cultural heritage studies, providing detailed and complete information about elemental compositions and depth distributions of analysed materials that are otherwise difficult or impossible for other analytical techniques. In this paper, the basic principles of the main IBA techniques applied to cultural heritage, namely, particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE), particle induced Gamma-ray emission (PIGE), and Rutherford or elastic backscattering spectrometry (RBS/EBS), will be recalled, and specific and practical details on how these techniques can be used for analysing cultural heritage objects with external beam set-ups will be provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-destructive Techniques for Cultural Heritage Characterization)

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16 pages, 3944 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polychromy in Ancient Greek Sculpture: New Scientific Research on an Attic Funerary Stele at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

by Elena Basso, Federico Carò and Dorothy H. Abramitis

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(5), 3102; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13053102 - 28 Feb 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5155

Abstract

Polychromy in Ancient Greek Sculpture was the subject of the exhibition Chroma: Ancient Greek Sculpture in Color, held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), New York, in 2022–2023. On this occasion, a multidisciplinary project involving The Met’s Departments of Greek and Roman Art, Objects Conservation, Imaging, Scientific Research, and colleagues from the Liebieghaus Polychromy Research Project in Frankfurt, Germany, was carried out to study an Attic funerary monument. The color decoration of the sphinx was reconstructed by combining non-invasive and minimally invasive techniques that provided information about surviving and lost pigments, original design, and painting technique. Results of multiband imaging, digital microscopy, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy guided the removal of minute samples from selected areas for examination by Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, to shed light on the pigments and paint stratigraphy. The color palette included two varieties of blue, Egyptian blue and azurite, a carbon-based black pigment, two reds, cinnabar and red ocher, and yellow ocher, all painted directly over the marble without a preparation layer. The scientific findings informed the physical reconstruction of the sphinx made by archaeologists from the Liebieghaus Polychromy Research Project, featured in the exhibition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-destructive Techniques for Cultural Heritage Characterization)

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12 pages, 4020 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Insight into a Shang Dynasty Bronze Vessel by Nuclear Techniques

by Filomena Salvemini, Zeljko Pastuovic, Attila Stopic, Min-Jung Kim and Sue Gatenby

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1549; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031549 - 25 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2681

Abstract

A bronze wine vessel attributed to 1600–1046 B.C., Shang dynasty in China, an object from the East Asian Collection of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences in Sydney (Australia), was studied using a non-destructive scientific analytical protocol based on the synergic combination of nuclear techniques. Gamma spectrometry, neutron-computed tomography, and proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) spectroscopy were applied to gain a better insight into the structural and compositional features of the artefact to prove its authenticity. Gamma spectrometry was performed to assess the risk of excessive sample activation induced by long exposure to the neutron beam and to determine the bulk elemental composition. Based on neutron-computed tomography, the porosities and the thickness of the metal wall were evaluated and found consistent with the piece-mould casting technology adopted by craftsmen during the Shang dynasty in China. Finally, PIXE spectroscopy demonstrated the use of a ternary (copper–tin-leaded) alloy and the nature of mineralisation on the surface. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-destructive Techniques for Cultural Heritage Characterization)

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14 pages, 833 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of a Continuous Muon Source for the Non-Destructive and Depth-Selective Elemental Composition Analysis by Muon Induced X- and Gamma-rays

by Sayani Biswas, Lars Gerchow, Hubertus Luetkens, Thomas Prokscha, Aldo Antognini, Niklaus Berger, Thomas Elias Cocolios, Rugard Dressler, Paul Indelicato, Klaus Jungmann, Klaus Kirch, Andreas Knecht, Angela Papa, Randolf Pohl, Maxim Pospelov, Elisa Rapisarda, Peter Reiter, Narongrit Ritjoho, Stephanie Roccia, Nathal Severijns, Alexander Skawran, Stergiani Marina Vogiatzi, Frederik Wauters, Lorenz Willmann and Alex Amato Show full author list Hide full author list

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(5), 2541; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12052541 - 28 Feb 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3439

Abstract

The toolbox for material characterization has never been richer than today. Great progress with all kinds of particles and interaction methods provide access to nearly all properties of an object under study. However, a tomographic analysis of the subsurface region remains still a challenge today. In this regard, the Muon Induced X-ray Emission (MIXE) technique has seen rebirth fueled by the availability of high intensity muon beams. We report here a study conducted at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI). It demonstrates that the absence of any beam time-structure leads to low pile-up events and a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) with less than one hour acquisition time per sample or data point. This performance creates the perspective to open this technique to a wider audience for the routine investigation of non-destructive and depth-sensitive elemental compositions, for example in rare and precious samples. Using a hetero-structured sample of known elements and thicknesses, we successfully detected the characteristic muonic X-rays, emitted during the capture of a negative muon by an atom, and the gamma-rays resulting from the nuclear capture of the muon, characterizing the capabilities of MIXE at PSI. This sample emphasizes the quality of a continuous beam, and the exceptional SNR at high rates. Such sensitivity will enable totally new statistically intense aspects in the field of MIXE, e.g., elemental 3D-tomography and chemical analysis. Therefore, we are currently advancing our proof-of-concept experiments with the goal of creating a full fledged permanently operated user station to make MIXE available to the wider scientific community as well as industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-destructive Techniques for Cultural Heritage Characterization)

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16 pages, 6719 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ultrasonic Properties of a Stone Architectural Heritage and Weathering Evaluations Based on Provenance Site

by Young Hoon Jo and Chan Hee Lee

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 1498; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031498 - 30 Jan 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2098

Abstract

In this study, we performed customized ultrasonic measurements of the stone block foundation of the Sungnyemun Gate, which is representative of the stone architectural heritage in the Republic of Korea. Furthermore, the weathering evaluation standards, which are extensively used in stone heritage, were improved considering the type of rock and its provenance site. In particular, the absolute weathering grade used the ultrasonic velocity (P-wave) of a universal hard rock, whereas the relative weathering grade used the differences between the ultrasonic velocities of the materials in the stone block foundation of the Sungnyemun Gate (weathered stone) and the fresh rocks in the provenance. Among these, the absolute weathering grade was observed to be constant regardless of the type of rock; however, the relative weathering grade varied depending on the type dof rock. Because the average ultrasonic velocity of the original blocks of the stone block foundation of the Sungnyemun Gate was 2665 m/s, it was estimated that their ultrasonic velocity reduced by approximately 2.1 m/s per year as compared to that observed in case of fresh rocks (average 3932 m/s) in the provenance site. Furthermore, the weathering evaluation exhibited that there were approximately two stages of difference between the original blocks and the new blocks. As compared to the relative weathering grade, the absolute weathering grade was observed to underestimate the overall ultrasonic velocity of the stone block foundation of the Sungnyemun Gate. This study presents a customized method for performing ultrasonic measurements and for evaluating weathering. It is assumed that the results of this study will be extensively used in diagnosing and monitoring the stone architectural heritage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-destructive Techniques for Cultural Heritage Characterization)

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19 pages, 10936 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Multiwavelength Approach for the Study of Contemporary Painting Materials by Means of Fluorescence Imaging Techniques: An Integration to Spectroscopic Methods

by Margherita Longoni, Alessia Buttarelli, Marco Gargano and Silvia Bruni

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(1), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12010094 - 23 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2596

Abstract

Imaging methods based on visible luminescence induced by ultraviolet (UV) radiation are well consolidated in the investigation of ancient works of art, to map varnishes, retouches, and possibly some pigments. As far as contemporary art is involved, the wide range of synthetic materials, especially pigments, introduced from 1850 onwards, makes the possible application of the technique particularly challenging. Among the colouring substances used by artists in the 19th and 20th centuries, only cadmium-based pigments received attention due to their typical near-infrared luminescence. Nevertheless, the fluorescence emission exhibited by several synthetic pigments upon visible excitation was recently demonstrated and confirmed using UV radiation in the present work. The subsequent possibility of individuating such materials in paintings by ultraviolet fluorescence (UVF) images was explored on mock-up painting samples of a wide series of pigments dispersed in oil or acrylic binder. Visible and infrared luminescence images obtained by irradiating with visible radiation (VIVF and VIL) were also collected. It was thus evidenced the possible advantage of the choice of a different excitation wavelength in discriminating between the contributions of pigment and binder. Finally, a recent oil painting on panel was also examined as case study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-destructive Techniques for Cultural Heritage Characterization)

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Review

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30 pages, 4849 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Importance of Multidisciplinary Analytical Strategies to Solve Identification and Characterization Challenges in Gemology: The Example of the “Green Stones”

by Maya Musa

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(14), 7168; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12147168 - 16 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3882

Abstract

The present review aims to discuss the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in cultural heritage and archaeometry investigations. The analytical methods used to identify and characterize “Green Stones” are discussed as an example. In the present paper, the term Green Stones is applied but not limited to jade materials, which have considerable importance in cultural heritage studies. In fact, archaeological samples made in Green Stones have been discovered worldwide, with many dating back to the Neolithic Age. Moreover, these materials represent an interesting analytical challenge, starting with their nomenclature and, in most cases, the nature of their polycrystalline samples and their heterogeneity. Indeed, after a brief introduction about the advantages of the non-destructive analytical techniques commonly used for gemstones and cultural heritage samples analyses, the limits of the same have been discussed on the basis of Green Stones applicability. Finally, a multidisciplinary methodology for Green Stones identification and full characterization, which considers materials’ heterogeneity and information, has been proposed and based on different references. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-destructive Techniques for Cultural Heritage Characterization)

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16 pages, 3963 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Role of PIXE and XRF in Heritage Science: The INFN-CHNet LABEC Experience

by Leandro Sottili, Lorenzo Giuntini, Anna Mazzinghi, Mirko Massi, Luca Carraresi, Lisa Castelli, Caroline Czelusniak, Francesca Giambi, Pier Andrea Mandò, Marco Manetti, Chiara Ruberto, Laura Guidorzi, Alessandro Re, Alessandro Lo Giudice, Rodrigo Torres, Francesco Arneodo, Simi Maria Emilia Mangani, Silvia Calusi and Francesco Taccetti

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(13), 6585; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12136585 - 29 Jun 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2784

Abstract

Analytical techniques play a fundamental role in heritage science. Among them, Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) techniques are widely used in many laboratories for elemental composition analysis. Although they are well-established, a strong effort is put on their upgrade, making them suitable for more and more applications. Over the years, at the INFN-LABEC (the laboratory of nuclear techniques for the environment and cultural heritage of the Italian National Institute of Nuclear Physics), the INFN-CHNet group, the network devoted to cultural heritage, has carried out many technological improvements to the PIXE and XRF set-ups for the analysis of works of art and archaeological finds. Among the many, we recall here the scanning external microbeam facility at the TANDEM accelerator and the MA-XRF scanner. The two instruments have shown complementary features: the former permits quantitative analysis of elements heavier than sodium, which is not possible with the latter in most of the case studies. On the contrary, the scanner has the undeniable advantage of portability, allowing it to work in situ. In this framework of technological developments in heritage science, INFN, CERN, and OPD are jointly carrying on the MACHINA (Movable Accelerator for Cultural Heritage In-situ Non-destructive Analysis) project for on-site Ion Beam Analysis (IBA) studies on cultural heritage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-destructive Techniques for Cultural Heritage Characterization)

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16 pages, 6889 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Novel Non-Destructive Technique for Cultural Heritage: Depth Profiling and Elemental Analysis Underneath the Surface with Negative Muons

by Matteo Cataldo, Massimiliano Clemenza, Katsuiko Ishida and Adrian D. Hillier

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(9), 4237; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12094237 - 22 Apr 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3012

Abstract

Scientists, curators, historians and archaeologists are always looking for new techniques for the study of archaeological artefacts, especially if they are non-destructive. With most non-destructive investigations, it is challenging to measure beneath the surface. Among the vast board of techniques used for cultural heritage studies, it is difficult to find one able to give information about the bulk and the compositional variations, along with the depth. In addition, most other techniques have self-absorption issues (i.e., only surface sensitive) and limited sensitivity to low Z atoms. In recent years, more and more interest has been growing around large-scale facility-based techniques, thanks to the possibility of adding new and different insights to the study of material in a non-destructive way. Among them, muonic X-ray spectroscopy is a very powerful technique for material characterization. By using negative muons, scientists are able to perform elemental characterization and depth profile studies. In this work, we give an overview of the technique and review the latest applications in the field of cultural heritage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-destructive Techniques for Cultural Heritage Characterization)

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