Non-destructive analysis of pictoric artistic layers by a portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer

• Grant number: 10/18197-7
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2011
• End date: January 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Augusto Camara Neiva
• Grantee: Augusto Camara Neiva
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The proposal aims the analysis of artistic pictorial layers by a portable x ray fluorescence spectrometer with energy-dispersive detection, composed by an air cooled x ray tube, a Si-drift detector and a multichannel analyzer. Special attention will be driven to the simulation of the superposition of different pictorial layers in the fitting of the spectra, in order to allow the estimation of the compositional profile of the layers. With that, the identification of the pigments in each layer will be possible. With these results, a model will be developed for the elaboration of a data base of the pigments used by Brazilian artists. The use of two different kinds of X ray tubes is proposed, one with tungsten anode, the other with chromium anode, in order to allow the detection of small amounts of both light and heavy elements. These tubes should have a reasonably high power output but not too much weight. The assembly will have also a pair of laser pointers, and a webcam. The proposal includes also the building of supporting devices for the spectrometer to allow it to be used for in situ analysis of different objects, as sculptures, paintings, archaeological pieces, walls, ceilings, and so on. The proposal also includes the implementation of new routines in the software developed by the team for file management and quantitative analysis. (AU)