Scientific analysis
Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation provides a scientific analysis service for analysing cultural heritage objects or works of art. At Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation we have access to fundamental non-invasive examination and various advanced instrumentation techniques. The collection of data and subsequent interpretation of results (we collaborate with scientific researchers at the University of Melbourne and other nearby universities), provide information about the physical composition of an object, its nature and the extent of deterioration of the object or associated intervention materials. This information assists art historical research, and the selection and assessment of appropriate conservation treatment methodologies.
Standard laboratory techniques
- Micro-chemical spot testing of metals, inorganics and organics
- Sample preparation of embedded cross sections, thin section and dispersions
- Optical microscopy (reflected light, transmitted light and PLM modes) with image capture
Non-invasive examination techniques
- Photographic examination (standard)
- Ultraviolet (UV) examination (with image capture)
- Infra-red (IR) examination (with image capture)
Advanced instrumentation techniques
- Absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy
- Gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy (GC-MS)
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
- Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS)
- Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy
- Raman spectroscopy
- X-ray fluorescence (XRF)
- X-ray diffraction (XRD)
Contact
Dr Petronella Nel
Email: pnel@unimelb.edu.au
Phone: +61 3 8344 0354 / 8344 7989