FTIR SPECTROSCOPY IN THE STUDY OF ARTISTIC METAL OF IRAN: ANALYTICAL CAPABILITIES OF THE METHOD
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/uad.2026.2.4Keywords:
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, microscopy, metalwork, applied art, cultural heritageAbstract
The aim of this study is to determine the analytical capabilities of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in the study of artistic metalwork as a component of decorative and applied arts. Particular attention is focused on identifying the surface layers of metal artefacts, which contain important information about manufacturing techniques, decorative features and the subsequent history of the artefacts’ use. The objects of study are Iranian toreutic artefacts from the 13th–14th centuries from the collection of the Bohdan and Varvara Khanenko National Museum of Arts. The subject of the study is the use of the analytical method of FTIR spectroscopy to identify both inorganic corrosion products and organic black inlay material. The research methodology is based on the application of synthesis, analysis, generalisation, induction and deduction as theoretical methods of cognition, combined with a multi-analytical approach that integrates Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, optical microscopy and X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF). The use of microscopy enabled the determination of the morphological features of the surface, whilst XRF allowed the elemental composition of the metal alloys to be established. As a result of the FTIR spectroscopy analysis, it was established that the corrosion layers on the brass artefacts consist of complex mixtures of carbonates, sulphates and copper oxides, in particular malachite and azurite, as confirmed by characteristic absorption bands in the infrared spectra. The absence of chloride corrosion was detected, indicating favourable storage conditions for the museum objects. Particular attention was paid to the study of black inlay materials, which were identified as organic bitumen-resin compositions with mineral impurities, notably calcite and kaolin. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the possibility of applying the FTIR spectroscopy method to analyse the surface layers of artistic metalwork from the museum collection, which had not previously been systematically implemented in Ukrainian art history and technological practice. It has been demonstrated that FTIR spectroscopy is an effective tool for analysing the multi-component structure of the surface layers of artistic metalwork, providing valuable information on the manufacturing techniques and material composition of the artefacts. The results obtained are of great significance for the attribution of artefacts, the reconstruction of medieval metalworking traditions, and the development of scientifically sound approaches to their conservation and restoration.
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