In situ FTIR Analysis for the characterisation of materials on archaeological or cultural heritage objects

FTIR spectroscopy is a widely used technique for examining various types of cultural heritage objects, with significant contributions in studies concerning chemical characterization of materials, both organic (binding media, varnishes, adhesives, coatings, consolidants, etc.) and inorganic (pigments, corrosion products, salts, etc.). The main goals are the evaluation of the state of conservation of artworks, characterization of their constituent materials as well as the monitoring of restoration interventions. FTIR spectroscopy can be applied to all the substrates (paintings, metals, stone, paper,...). The FTIR spectroscopy provides quick and relatively straightforward molecular identification of materials under examination, due to the fact that the collective position and pattern of absorption bands in the FTIR spectrum designate the combination of molecular groups found in any specific compound. The method is significantly versatile, therefore different types of equipment are commercially available such as bench top instruments, probes/portable and handheld instruments. These advantages including the simplicity, accuracy and speed of the analysis has made FTIR spectroscopy very successful in the field of cultural heritage. The current scenario presents a methodology for FTIR analysis directly on cultural heritage objects (no sampling).