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 samples, pieces of ancient manuscripts endangered by iron-gall ink corrosion were used, Surface characterisation of the morphology of the cellulose fibres within corroded and non-corroded par ts: of the manuscript performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed seriously damaged cellulose fibres in the written parts. The elemental composition of selected parts of the manuscript was determined by energy dispersive;X-ray fluorescence analysis (EDX). ii. mure detailed study of the paper surface was then performed by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). This technique yields the morphological characteristics of the surface as well as element distribution maps over the written area of the investigated manuscript.