Capability of Far-Infrared for the selective identification of red and black pigments in paint layers

Abstract

Artworks are complex objects that merit study and preservation. Far-infrared spectroscopy in ATR mode appears to be a suitable technique for this purpose because it enables information to be obtained regarding the material’s composition in a non-destructive way. The use of Far-infrared is especially interesting because most organic compounds do not absorb in this energy range, suggesting the possibility of identifying inorganic pigments. Based on works performed by two research groups from the University of Bologna and the University of Tartu, this study attempts to obtain additional information regarding the capabilities and limitations of Far-infrared spectroscopy when it is applied to objects as complex as artworks. This article first studies the capability of the technique for identifying pigments by following the stability of the position of their absorption bands when mixed with linseed oil, the minimum amount of pigment necessary to be detected and how this amount changes when it is part of a paint layer. The consequences of the pigment: linseed oil interaction and the ageing process are also studied through changes in the linseed oil signal absorptions related to the acid carboxylic and carboxylate bands. The entire study leads to the conclusion that Far-Infrared in ATR mode is an interesting option for the selective identification of some inorganic pigments, but their potential application depends on each case considered.