TG-DTA and FTIR analyses of plasters from Byzantine monuments in Balkan region - Comparative study

Historic plasters from wall paintings of Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches situated in the Balkan region were studied. All wall paintings were made with fresco technique and are dated from IX-XVI century. Plaster samples were followed from room temperature to 1000 degrees C by Thermogravimetric (TG) and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), and one or two significant temperature regions, corresponding to thermal decomposition mechanisms were observed. The analysis of the plaster samples and the composition characterization was carried out using also, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Although the main components are calcite and quartz (from sand) in different proportions, there are differences between them such as the presence of gypsum being either as a constituent element or due to environmental pollution. The results are examined comparatively taking into account the creation time and place of the paintings.