A Raman spectroscopic study of pollution‐induced glass deterioration

• DOI: 10.1002/jrs.1133
• Publication Date: 2004-07-02T12:01:38Z
• Authors: Laurianne Robinet; Katherine Eremin; Belén Cobo del Arco; Lorraine T. Gibson
• Keywords: Sodium formate; Ion chromatography

Abstract White crystalline deposits were present on a large number of 19th and 20th century British glass artefacts in the National Museums Scotland collections. Analysis these by ion chromatography showed that sodium formate dominant ions. Raman spectroscopy identified anhydrate phase II as main phase, with I′, sulfate decahydrate possibly potassium at minor levels. Minor levels sodium, chloride detected scanning electron microscopy, suggesting presence chloride. Elemental analysis x‐ray fluorescence spectrometry microprobe revealed most had high or (more rarely) low calcium. Measurements simulation experiments degradation was caused combination formic acid, formaldehyde, generated inside display cases storage cupboards relative humidity. This study shows micro‐Raman spectroscopy, microscopy is ideal for corrosion products induced pollutant gases. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.