scholarly journals Archaeological and Chemical Investigation on the High Imperial Mosaic Floor Mortars of the Domus Integrated in the Museum of Archaeology D. Diogo de Sousa, Braga, Portugal

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (17) ◽  
pp. 8267
Author(s):  
Ana Fragata ◽  
Jorge Ribeiro ◽  
Carla Candeias ◽  
Ana Velosa ◽  
Fernando Rocha

This paper intends to characterize the floor mortar layers (nucleus, rudus and statumen) of the high imperial mosaics of the domus integrated in the Museum of Archeology D. Diogo de Sousa, the oldest roman housing testimonies known in Braga, Portugal. It offers an important archaeological and historical contextualization and first chemical characterization attempt on the mortars. The study of 13 mortar samples was carried out at a chemical level through X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). All samples presented low lime content when compared to similar studies. A high chemical similarity between nucleus mortars (opus signinum) and chemical composition differences between rudus and statumen mortars was determined, confirmed by statistical analyses. Their composition was distinctly related to the stratigraphic position of each floor mortar layer, following Vitruvius’ model, and to the external conditions and treatments (e.g., capillary rise with soluble salts and application of chemical treatments), to which they were submitted.

Author(s):  
Ernst Bauer

One of the major shortcomings of conventional PEEM and of LEEM is the lack of chemical information about the surface. Although the imaging of the LEED pattern in the back focal plane of the objective lens of a LEEM instrument allows chemical characterization via the crystalline structure derived from the LEED pattern, this method fails in the absence of a characteristic LEED pattern. Direct information about the atomic composition of the surface is then needed which can be best obtained from inner shell electrons either directly by x-ray-induced photoemission (XPEEM) or by x-ray- or electron-induced Auger electron emission (AEEM). These modes of excitation and imaging can be combined with conventional PEEM and LEEM in one instrument which is presently being developed. Thus a complete structural and chemical characterization becomes possible in one instrument, with parallel detection and high resolution.In contrast to LEEM, in which up to more than 50% of the incident intensity is available for image formation, the intensity of the emitted electrons is much lower in XPEEM and AEEM and the signal is much lower than the background in AEEM. Therefore, intensity I and resolution d have to be optimized simultaneously which is best done by maximizing Q = I/d2 with respect to maximum emission angle α and relative energy distribution ε = ΔVo/V accepted by the instrument. For a well-designed magnetic lens section of the cathode lens its aberrations are determined by the accelerating field F in front of the specimen. For a homogeneous accelerating field F and a cosine emission distribution one obtains for the optimum α and ε values αo,εo a radius of the minimum disc of confusion of


Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 2160
Author(s):  
Alexander Bogdanov ◽  
Ekaterina Kaneva ◽  
Roman Shendrik

Elpidite belongs to a special group of microporous zirconosilicates, which are of great interest due to their capability to uptake various molecules and ions, e.g., some radioactive species, in their structural voids. The results of a combined electron probe microanalysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction study of the crystals of elpidite from Burpala (Russia) and Khan-Bogdo (Mongolia) deposits are reported. Some differences in the chemical compositions are observed and substitution at several structural positions within the structure of the compounds are noted. Based on the obtained results, a detailed crystal–chemical characterization of the elpidites under study was carried out. Three different structure models of elpidite were simulated: Na2ZrSi6O15·3H2O (related to the structure of Russian elpidite), partly Ca-replaced Na1.5Ca0.25ZrSi6O15·2.75H2O (close to elpidite from Mongolia), and a hypothetical CaZrSi6O15·2H2O. The vibration spectra of the models were obtained and compared with the experimental one, taken from the literature. The strong influence of water molecule vibrations on the shape of IR spectra of studied structural models of elpidite is discussed in the paper.


Heritage ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 2597-2611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Bandiera ◽  
Patrice Lehuédé ◽  
Marco Verità ◽  
Luis Alves ◽  
Isabelle Biron ◽  
...  

This work aims to characterise the chemical composition of Roman opaque red glass sectilia dated to the 2nd century A.D and to shed light on Roman glassmaking production of different shades of red, from red to reddish-brown. Due to the lack of technical historical sources for this period many questions about technological aspects still remain. In this project a multi-disciplinary approach is in progress to investigate the red glass sectilia with several red hues from the Imperial Villa of Lucius Verus (161–169 A.D.) in Rome. First, colorimetric measurements were taken to identify the various red hues. The second step was chemical characterization of the samples and the identification of crystalline colouring phases. Particle Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE) analysis was used to investigate the chemical composition of these glass samples, while the crystalline phases were identified by Raman Spectroscopy and Scanning Electrons Microscope with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (SEM-EDS). Using SEM-EDS nanoparticles were detected as a colouring agent, the chemical composition and the morphology of which has been studied in depth. This information has been compared with the colorimetric analysis to establish any correlation with the different colour hues.


1992 ◽  
Vol 259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takeo Hattori ◽  
Hiroki Ogawa

ABSTRACTChemical structures of native oxides formed during wet chemical treatments on NH4F treated Si(111) surfaces were investigated using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier Transformed Infrared Attenuated Total Reflection(FT-IR-ATR). It was found that the amounts of Si-H bonds in native oxides and those at native oxide/silicon interface are negligibly small in the case of native oxides formed in H2SO4-H2O2-H2O solution. Based on this discovery, it was confirmed that native oxides can be characterized by the amount of Si-H bonds in native oxides. Furthermore, it was found that the combination of various wet chemical treatments with the treatment in NH4OH-H2O2-H2O solution results in the drastic decrease in the amount of Si-H bonds in native oxides.


2014 ◽  
Vol 805 ◽  
pp. 343-349
Author(s):  
Carine F. Machado ◽  
Weber G. Moravia

This work evaluated the influence of additions of the ceramic shell residue (CSR), from the industries of Lost Wax Casting, in the modulus of elasticity and porosity of concrete. The CSR was ground and underwent a physical, chemical, and microstructural characterization. It was also analyzed, the environmental risk of the residue. In the physical characterization of the residue were analyzed, the surface area, and particle size distribution. In chemical characterization, the material powder was subjected to testing of X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Microstructural characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The residue was utilized like addition by substitution of cement in concrete in the percentages of 10% and 15% by weight of Portland cement. It was evaluated properties of concrete in the fresh and hardened state, such as compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, absorption of water by total immersion and by capillarity. The results showed that the residue can be used in cement matrix and improve some properties of concrete. Thus, the CSR may contribute to improved sustainability and benefit the construction industry.


Clay Minerals ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 453-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Aras ◽  
S. Kiliç

AbstractThe present study focused on the mineralogical and chemical characterization and firing behaviour of clays from the Lake Van region and compared them with the same characteristics established for two ancient pot sherds. Four pottery clays collected from Kutki and Kuşluk in the Kesan Valley to the south, from Kavakbaşı to the southwest and from Bardakçı village on the east coast of Lake Van were analysed by X-ray diffraction to identify mineralogical composition (bulk clays and <2 μm fractions after heating at 300–500°C and ethylene glycol solvation). Further analyses were conducted to determine the size distribution, chemical composition and physical properties of test bodies derived from these clays. The in situ weathered schist forming the primary micaceous red clays which are suitable for local pottery production are characterized by large muscovite-sericite-illite and small calcite contents. In contrast, the Bardakçı clays are dominated by large smectite contents and are only used sparingly in mixtures of local pottery production because they undergo firing shrinkage and present drying and firing flaws in the fired bodies. Firing ranges of ~800–900°C were inferred from the mineralogy and colours of the two ancient sherds from Kutki. As a result of mineralogical analysis of fired and unfired test bodies of these pottery clays and pot sherds, two different types of pastes were determined for pottery production in the Lake Van region: metamorphic and volcanic paste, the former characterized by a calcite-poor and mica-sericite-rich matrix and the latter by large smectite and small calcite contents.


Author(s):  
Carolyn Dillian

This article discusses the current status of archaeological obsidian studies, including techniques used in characterization and sourcing studies, obsidian hydration, and regional syntheses. It begins with an overview of obsidian and the unique formation processes that create it before turning to a discussion of the significance of characterization and sourcing techniques for understanding prehistoric obsidian trade and exchange. It then considers the problematic aspects of the term “sourcing,” despite its ubiquitous use in archaeology and archaeometry, along with the use of X-ray fluorescence in the chemical characterization of obsidian. It also explores obsidian hydration dating methods and equations, factors that can affect the date assignments for hydration specimens, and the various uses of obsidian in prehistoric times. Finally, it addresses some important questions relating to obsidian research and suggests new directions in the field.


Author(s):  
Elisabeth Holmqvist

Handheld portable energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry is used for non-destructive chemical characterization of archaeological ceramics. Portable XRF can provide adequate analytical sensitivity to discriminate geochemically distinct ceramic pastes, and to identify compositional clusters that correlate with data patterns acquired by NAA or other high sensitivity techniques. However, successful non-destructive analysis of unprepared inhomogeneous ceramic samples requires matrix-defined scientific protocols to control matrix effects which reduce the sensitivity and precision of the instrumentation. Quantification of the measured fluorescence intensities into absolute concentration values and detection of light elements is encumbered by the lack of matrix matched calibration and proper vacuum facilities. Nevertheless, semi-quantitative values for a limited range of high Z elements can be generated. Unstandardized results are difficult to validate by others, and decreased analytical resolution of non-destructive surface analysis may disadvantage site-specific sourcing, jeopardize correct group assignments, and lead to under-interpretation of ceramic craft and production systems.


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