Abstract
Waterlogged archaeological wood can provide information on past human activities and technology but its structure may be modified due to microbial deterioration. Knowing its conservation state is fundamental for its restoration. Aim of this work was to test the use of non-destructive portable NMR for the microstructural characterization and preservation state of three archaeological wood samples (Roman age, 5th century AD). 1D T1 and T2 relaxation time distributions, as well as 2D T1-T2 and D-T2 distributions were measured by single-sided NMR and interpreted with the help of high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and optical microscopy. Due to the complexity of the ancient wood samples, in this first study a multi-analytical approach was required. It allowed the characterization of both waterlogged softwood (spruce) and hardwood (chestnut and maple) by quantifying relaxation times and diffusion water components affected by the presence of degradation products such as fungi, paramagnetic agents, and microstructural changes. Optical microscopy was needed to investigate the sub-microscopic wood elements not resolved by MRI and validate indirect single-sided NMR investigations. Observations and results of this study will allow the improvement of single-sided NMR protocols for the analyses of archaeological wood in situ with portable NMR.
Highlights
Man has always used wood due to its extreme versatility and abundance [1]
Aim of this work was to test the use of non-destructive portable Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) for the microstructural characterization and preservation state of three archaeological wood samples (Roman age, 5th century AD). 1D T1 and T2 relaxation time distributions, as well as 2D T1-T2 and D-T2 distributions were measured by single-sided NMR and interpreted with the help of high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and optical microscopy
This paper aims to test the feasibility of low-field unilateral NMR to investigate archaeological waterlogged wood samples by both 2D T1-T2 and D-T2 correlation spectroscopy and by 1D relaxometry
Summary
Man has always used wood due to its extreme versatility and abundance [1]. To know the raw materials used in the past [2] and to record the human activity and the technology developed over the centuries [3], it is important to characterize the remains of wood saturated with water. It is important to monitor the state of preservation of waterlogged wood to study the causes of degradation and to implement new methods and materials for the consolidation and safeguarding of wooden archaeological heritage. According to the recommendation of specific European Technical Standards, in the frame of an appropriate conservation and restoration project wood characterization represents a crucial point for the knowledge of the artefact [4].
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