From the 63rd International Symposium and Exhibition of AVS
3-D Analysis of Renaissance-Era Artwork Researchers studied the complex interactions of the paint used in Renaissance-era artwork
EMBARGOED for release until 11:00a.m. Eastern Time on November 11, 2016
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Newswise — Washington, D. C., November 11, 2016— Trying to preserve Renaissance-era paintings is a challenge because the paint degrades over time creating paint flakes and fractures.
During the AVS 63rd International Symposium and Exhibition being held November 6-11, 2016, in Nashville, Tennessee, Zachary Voras, a surface chemist at the University of Delaware in Newark, and his colleagues will explain how they used X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time of flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry and newly available gas-cluster ionization sources to study the complex dynamics behind the aging of Renaissance-era artwork. The team specifically studied “binding-medium degradation” — which includes paint-layer flaking, spalling and fracture.
“In this study, we looked at the effects of controlled aging factors such as heat, humidity and UV exposure on thin films of egg tempera, a medium used by painters until the invention of oil-based paints,” Voras said.
The researchers also used an argon-cluster ion beam to conduct a depth profile through degraded tempera thin films, yielding a 3-D analysis of both short- and long-range degradation effects. “By better understanding soft-material degradation, we can provide art conservators with a better approach toward treatment and preservation so that they can prolong the lifetime of cultural heritage materials,” Voras said.
###Presentation AS+SS-ThM13, "3D Analysis of Binding-Medium Degradation as Related to Renaissance-Era Artwork," by Zachary Voras is at 12:00 p.m. CST, Nov. 11, 2016, in Room 101B
MORE ABOUT THE AVS 63rd INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM & EXHIBITIONThe symposium is being held November 6-11, 2016, in Nashville, Tennessee
USEFUL LINKSMain symposium website: https://www.avs.org/SymposiumTechnical Program: http://www.avssymposium.orgMedia Center: https://www.avs.org/About/Press-Media-Center
PRESSROOMTo request free press registration, please contact Della Miller at [email protected].
ABOUT AVS As an interdisciplinary, professional Society, AVS supports networking among academic, industrial, government, and consulting professionals involved in a variety of disciplines - chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, all engineering disciplines, business, sales, etc. through common interests related to the basic science, technology development, and commercialization of materials, interfaces, and processing area.
Founded in 1953, AVS is organized into technical divisions and technical groups that encompass a range of established as well as emerging science and technology areas. There are also regional chapters, international chapters and affiliates, and student chapters that promote communication and networking for professionals and students within a geographical region. AVS is comprised of approximately 4,500 members worldwide.
AVS is a member society of the American Institute of Physics with additional benefits for our members. For more information about AVS, visit our website at http://www.avs.org
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