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The Formation of Chemical Degraders during the Conservation of a Wooden Tudor Shipwreck
Author(s) -
Aluri Esther Rani,
Reynaud Corentin,
Bardas Helen,
Piva Eleonora,
Cibin Giannantonio,
Mosselmans J. Frederick W.,
Chadwick Alan V.,
Schofield Eleanor J.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
chempluschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.801
H-Index - 61
ISSN - 2192-6506
DOI - 10.1002/cplu.202000160
Subject(s) - sulfur , xanes , degradation (telecommunications) , environmental chemistry , environmental remediation , spectroscopy , chemistry , environmental science , contamination , organic chemistry , ecology , engineering , biology , telecommunications , physics , quantum mechanics
Determining the nature, evolution, and impact of acid‐generating sulfur deposits in the Mary Rose wooden hull is crucial for protecting Henry VIII's famous warship for generations to come. Here, a comprehensive X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy (XANES) and X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) study sheds vital light on the evolution of complex sulfur‐based compounds lodged in Mary Rose timbers as a function of drying time. Combining insights from infrared spectroscopy correlates the presence of oxidized sulfur species with increased wood degradation via the loss of major wood components (holocellulose). Intriguingly, zinc is found to co‐exist with iron and sulfur in the most degraded wood regions, indicating its potential contributing role to wood degradation. This study provides crucial information on the degradation processes and resulting products within the wood, which can be used to develop remediation strategies to save the Mary Rose .