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SUMMARY:Analytical pyrolysis for characterising wood and textile: applicat
 ions and methodological challenges - Deborah Roversi (University of York /
  Côte d'Azur University)
DTSTART:20250321T131500Z
DTEND:20250321T140000Z
UID:TALK227734@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Qin-Qin Lü
DESCRIPTION:Abstract \n\nChemical analysis of organic materials in archaeo
 logical contexts is essential for studying ancient techniques\, understand
 ing degradation phenomena\, and implementing scientifically informed prese
 rvation strategies.\nThe characterisation of organic historic and archaeol
 ogical samples can be achieved through is generally based on quantitative 
 analyses by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromato
 graphy (GC)\, which provide an excellent separation and resolution of comp
 lex mixtures\, as well as low detection limits.  Both qualitative and quan
 titative analyses by GC or HPLC are limited to those analytes that can be 
 made soluble or volatile with adequate sample pre-treatments\, including e
 xtraction\, hydrolysis\, and derivatization.\nHowever\, most organic mater
 ials in historical and archaeological  objects are indeed macromolecular. 
 In some cases\, they are macromolecular materials by nature\, such as prot
 eins\, lignocellulosic polymers\, plant gums or fossils. Other materials u
 ndergo polymerisation upon curing\, such as natural resins\, tar and charr
 ed materials. Cross-linking also occurs in most materials\, as an effect o
 f the exposure to light and air during ageing. In the end\, most organic m
 aterials in the archaeological world contain a major fraction that is inso
 luble and chemically non-hydrolysable. GC or HPLC alone do not give access
  to this important fraction\, thus limiting the analysis of a small\, and 
 possibly not fully representative\, fraction of the samples.\nPyrolysis\, 
 which thermally decomposes solid samples without pre-treatment\, is partic
 ularly valuable for studying insoluble\, chemically stable materials in ar
 chaeological artefacts. While Py-GC/MS does not provide fully quantitative
  data\, it offers semi-quantitative insights\, making it essential for ana
 lysing organic remnants like wood and textiles. Advances such as evolved g
 as analysis (EGA-MS) have further enhanced the analysis of complex archaeo
 logical materials\, providing new insights into ancient organic substances
 .\nThis talk will focus on the application of analytical pyrolysis and com
 plementary techniques in the study of various materials\, with a particula
 r emphasis on historical textiles and archaeological wood and charcoal. Th
 e presentation will highlight how these analytical methods have been emplo
 yed to investigate the degradation processes and chemical composition of t
 hese materials. Additionally\, methodological challenges encountered durin
 g the research process will be addressed\, discussing key mistakes and the
  insights gained from them. \n\nBio\n\nDeborah Roversi is a PhD candidate 
 at University of York and University Côte d'Azur\, specialising in the st
 udy of archaeological wood and charred materials. Her research focuses on 
 understanding degradation mechanisms using advanced analytical techniques\
 , such as FTIR\, EGA-MS\, Py-GC/MS\, and XRD\, to investigate chemical and
  structural changes in ancient artefacts. \n\nPlease join us in-person in 
 the McDonald Institute seminar room or join online.\n\nhttps://teams.micro
 soft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDc2MDk1ZGQtNmNkZC00M2U2LTliYjMtN2EyZW
 E0MDI5ZTAz%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2249a50445-bdfa-4b79-ade3
 -547b4f3986e9%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%227c42dde3-f200-49ed-9a81-5aa7e67f945e%22%
 7d\n\n
LOCATION:Seminar Room\, McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research\, D
 owning Site
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