scholarly journals The examination of Van Gogh’s chrome yellow pigments in ‘Field with Irises near Arles’ using quantitative SEM–WDX

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muriel Geldof ◽  
Inez Dorothé van der Werf ◽  
Ralph Haswell

AbstractIn this paper we present the results of quantitative measurements on the pigment chrome yellow (PbCr1−xSxO4 with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.8) using scanning electron microscopy-wavelength dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM–WDX). Traditionally, Optical Microscopy (OM) in combination with scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM–EDX) is used for the identification of many pigments in paint cross-sections based on their particle characteristics and elemental composition. However, in the case of chrome yellow, the lead (Pb) and sulphur (S) peaks overlap, which makes quantitative analysis unreliable. SEM–WDX does not suffer from this problem and we have demonstrated that this technique can distinguish different types of chrome yellow based on the quantification of the sulphur-content of the pigment. This identification can be performed on paint cross-sections, allowing for distinction between chrome yellows in different paint layers. In addition, our study showed that the different types of chrome yellow can still be identified even in low concentrations. Van Gogh made wide use of different hues of chrome yellow. Using this method, we have identified the types of chrome yellow he used in Field with Irises near Arles, which we have been able to correlate with the information in his letters. Raman spectroscopy of the same samples confirmed the SEM–WDX results, but evidenced a higher sensitivity of the latter technique in revealing small amounts of sulphur-rich PbCr1−xSxO4 in mixtures with PbCrO4. SEM–WDX is also more accurate, because it allows the lead(II) sulphate fraction to be determined within 1 mol% absolute, whereas with Raman spectroscopy only relatively broad ranges can be defined. The on-going research of Van Gogh’s paintings as part of a cataloguing project—a collaboration between the Van Gogh Museum, the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands and Shell—opens the way for a comprehensive comparison of the chrome yellows used by Van Gogh using SEM–WDX.

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 1613-1619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Rondeau-Gagné ◽  
Jules Roméo Néabo ◽  
Maxime Daigle ◽  
Katy Cantin ◽  
Jean-François Morin

The synthesis and self-assembly of two new phenylacetylene macrocycle (PAM) organogelators were performed. Polar 2-hydroxyethoxy side chains were incorporated in the inner part of the macrocycles to modify the assembly mode in the gel state. With this modification, it was possible to increase the reactivity of the macrocycles in the xerogel state to form polydiacetylenes (PDAs), leading to a significant enhancement of the polymerization yields. The organogels and the PDAs were characterized using Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).


2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 1534-1543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annalaura Restivo ◽  
Ilaria Degano ◽  
Erika Ribechini ◽  
Josefina Pérez-Arantegui ◽  
Maria Perla Colombini

Abstract:An innovative approach, combining field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis, is presented to investigate the degradation mechanisms affecting tannin-dyed wool. In fact, tannin-dyed textiles are more sensitive to degradation then those dyed with other dyestuffs, even in the same conservation conditions.FESEM-EDX was first used to study a set of 48 wool specimens (artificially aged) dyed with several raw materials and mordants, and prepared according to historical dyeing recipes. EDX analysis was performed on the surface of wool threads and on their cross-sections. In addition, in order to validate the model formulated by the analysis of reference materials, several samples collected from historical and archaeological textiles were subjected to FESEM-EDX analysis.FESEM-EDX investigations enabled us to reveal the correlation between elemental composition and morphological changes. In addition, aging processes were clarified by studying changes in the elemental composition of wool from the protective cuticle to the fiber core in cross-sections. Morphological and elemental analysis of wool specimens and of archaeological and historical textiles showed that the presence of tannins increases wool damage, primarily by causing a sulfur decrease and fiber oxidation.


2013 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. M. Zougrou ◽  
M. Katsikini ◽  
F. Pinakidou ◽  
E. C. Paloura ◽  
L. Papadopoulou ◽  
...  

Earlymost Villafranchian fossil bones of an artiodactyl and a perissodactyl from the Milia excavation site in Grevena, Greece, were studied in order to evaluate diagenetic effects. Optical microscopy revealed the different bone types (fibro-lamellar and Haversian, respectively) of the two fragments and their good preservation state. The spatial distribution of bone apatite and soil-originating elements was studied using micro-X-ray fluorescence (µ-XRF) mapping and scanning electron microscopy. The approximate value of the Ca/P ratio was 2.2, as determined from scanning electron microscopy measurements. Bacterial boring was detected close to the periosteal region and Fe bearing oxides were found to fill bone cavities,e.g.Haversian canals and osteocyte lacunae. In the perissodactyl bone considerable amounts of Mn were detected close to cracks (the Mn/Fe weight ratio takes values up to 3.5). Goethite and pyrite were detected in both samples by means of metallographic microscopy. The local Ca/P ratio determined with µ-XRF varied significantly in metal-poor spots indicating spatial inhomogeneities in the ionic substitutions. XRF line scans that span the bone cross sections revealed that Fe and Mn contaminate the bones from both the periosteum and medullar cavity and aggregate around local maxima. The formation of goethite, irrespective of the local Fe concentration, was verified by the FeK-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectra. Finally, SrK-edge extended XAFS (EXAFS) revealed that Sr substitutes for Ca in bone apatite without obvious preference to the Ca1or Ca2unit-cell site occupation.


2004 ◽  
Vol 836 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. L. Wang ◽  
S. H. Lee ◽  
A. Gupta ◽  
A. D. Compaan

ABSTRACTCd1-xMnxTe alloy films with band gaps of 1.6 ∼ 1.8 eV have been deposited by RF magnetron sputtering for solar-cell applications. The films have been treated by chloride vapors to improve the photovoltaic performance. These as-deposited and chloride-treated CdMnTe films have been investigated by Raman spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Raman results indicate that Te and/or TeO2 exists in the annealed samples depending on anneal conditions.


2012 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-136
Author(s):  
Bozidar Cekic ◽  
Valentin Ivanovski ◽  
Aleksandar Djordjevic ◽  
Velimir Aleksic ◽  
Zorica Tomic ◽  
...  

The paper addresses the issue of health risk associated with the presence of chrysotile in the soil type ranker formed on massive serpentines occurring in the area of Bubanj Potok, a settlement located in the southern Belgrade environs, Serbia. Characterization of the ranker soil was conducted by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, micro-Raman spectroscopy and transmission 57Fe M?ssbauer spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy figures showed regular shaped smectite (montmorillonite) particles, aggregates of chlorite, and elongated sheets of serpentines minerals antigorite. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the presence of detrital mineral quartz polymorph as well as minor amounts of other mineral species. Micro-Raman spectroscopy identified the presence of dominant minerals, such as montmorillonite, kaolinite, muscovite, gypsum, calcite, albite, amphiboles (hornblende/kaersutite) and orthoclase. Important polymorph silica modifications of quartz, olivine (forsterite), pyroxene (enstatite/ferrosilite, diopside/hedenbergite), and serpentine (antigorite/lizardite/chrysotile) were identified.


2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 3617-3621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuping Wang ◽  
Mingxia Li ◽  
Kai Pan ◽  
Rong Li ◽  
Naiying Fan ◽  
...  

Rhombic NaLa(MoO4)2:Ln3+ (Ln = Eu and Tb) nanocrystals were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The structures and morphologies of the nanocrystals were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that the crystalline size increased with increasing Na2MoO4 content. The photoluminescence properties of NaLa(MoO4)2:Ln3+ nanocrystals were investigated in detail. In the emission spectra of NaLa(MoO4)2:Eu3+ nanocrystals, the 5D0 → 7F2 is dominant, and the peak positions and spectral shapes of emissions were independent of Eu3+ concentration. The luminescence intensity increased with increasing Eu3+ concentration, up to about 10 mol%, and then decreased. In the emission spectra of NaLa(MoO4)2:Tb3+ nanocrystals, the 5D4 → 7F5 is dominant. The sample with a dopant concentration of 20 mol% showed the highest emission intensity.


2015 ◽  
Vol 245 ◽  
pp. 182-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolai B. Kondrikov ◽  
Antonina S. Lapina ◽  
Ilya V. Stepanov ◽  
Galina I. Marinina ◽  
Vladimir V. Korochentsev ◽  
...  

The nanotubular titanium dioxide structures were prepared using anodic oxidation. The structural features of surface have been investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. These nanotubular titanium dioxide structures can be used as a sensor in potentiometric indication components of different types of chemical reactions.


Minerals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1063
Author(s):  
Ariadne Kostomitsopoulou Marketou ◽  
Fabrizio Andriulo ◽  
Calin Steindal ◽  
Søren Handberg

This paper aims to expand our understanding of the processes involved in the production of the artificial pigment Egyptian blue through the scientific examination of pigments found in the first century BCE workshop of the Greek island of Kos. There, 136 Egyptian blue pellets were brought to light, including successfully produced pellets, as well as partially successful and unsuccessful products. This study is based on the examination of eighteen samples obtained from pellets of various textures and tones of blue, including light and dark blue pigments, coarse and fine-grained materials, and one unsuccessful pellet of dark green/grey colour. The samples were examined by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and micro-Raman spectroscopy. These complementary microanalytical techniques provide localised information about the chemical and mineralogical composition of this multicomponent material, at a single-grain level. The results shed light on the firing procedure and indicate possible sources for raw materials (beach sand, copper alloys), as well as demonstrating the use of a low-alkali starting mixture. Moreover, two different process for the production of light blue pigments were identified: (a) decreased firing time and (b) grinding of the initially produced pellet and mixing with cobalt-containing material.


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