MOOC: Instrumental analysis of cultural heritage objects
1.1. Cultural heritage as analysis object
Cultural heritage objects (paintings, polychrome objects, manuscripts, dyed textiles, archaeological finds etc.) consist of materials that are complex multicomponent and multi-layered mixtures and due to the ageing (oxidizing, polymerizing, etc.) their complexity increases even more. Thus, determining their composition is challenging.
In this section brief overview of some of the materials (paints, varnishes, textiles, dyes, paper components and archaeological materials) most frequently encountered in cultural heritage objects is given. Having an idea of the chemistry of the materials is necessary for being able to select suitable analysis techniques.
In the following video prof Ivo Leito gives a brief overview about the common cultural heritage materials.
More detailed pages containing more information about specific groups of materials that are discussed in this online course can be found here:
The slides used in video can be downloaded here: