Study of Mobile Raman Spectroscopy for Rapid Evaluation of Deteriorating of Art Materials under UV Irradiation

Identification and characterization of materials used in cultural heritage and conservation can provide important information for dating, authentication and deteriorating situation in general. How to extract useful information from these materials in-situ is one of the main concerns. Application of mobile Raman spectroscopy for this purpose has great attentions for scientists and conservators. The present paper aims to investigate the mobile Raman spectroscopy in studying the effect of UV light on the deterioration of silk, seal ink and Chinese traditional colorants such as kermes, vermillion and zhubiao, which is commonly appeared on painted works of art, and the silk sample is also often used as an consolidant for repairing destroyed textile objects. Spectra were recorded from predefined regions on the samples before and after ultraviolet radiation with 360 nm wavelength and 0. 68 W . m(-2) intensity. The result revealed obvious effects of ultraviolet radiation on the materials simulated in this research. The original kind of seal ink has been clearly identified. The changes in spectra of all samples with and without UV radiation were further distinguished and studied. The result will assist for scientists and conservators to determine the safe treatments and suitable enviro nmental condition for storage, display and transport. The result will also help for studying mechanism of deterioration of museum objects influenced by enviro nmental factors. The mobile Raman spectroscopy showed a suitable and convenient means for in-situ non-destructive detection and study of deterioration in practical conditions.