Topochemical investigation of ancient manuscripts

Various modem instrumental techniques for surface analysis were applied for the non-destructive. physico-chemical examination of works of art. As samp les, pieces of ancient manuscripts endangered by iron-gall ink corrosion we re used, Surface characterisation of the morphology of the cellulose fibres within corroded and non-corroded par ts: of the manuscript performed by sc anning electron microscopy (SEM) showed seriously damaged cellulose fibres in the written parts. The elemental composition of selected parts of the ma nuscript was determined by energy dispersive;X-ray fluorescence analysis (E DX). ii. mure detailed study of the paper surface was then performed by ele ctron probe microanalysis (EPMA). This technique yields the morphological c haracteristics of the surface as well as element distribution maps over the written area of the investigated manuscript.