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The identification of synthetic organic red pigments in historical plastics: Developing an in situ analytical protocol based on Raman microscopy
Author(s) -
Angelin Eva Mariasole,
França de Sá Susana,
Picollo Marcello,
Nevin Austin,
Callapez Maria Elvira,
Melo Maria João
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of raman spectroscopy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.748
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1097-4555
pISSN - 0377-0486
DOI - 10.1002/jrs.5985
Subject(s) - raman spectroscopy , identification (biology) , protocol (science) , pigment , in situ , microscopy , polymer , materials science , polymer science , chemistry , nanotechnology , computer science , optics , organic chemistry , composite material , biology , physics , medicine , botany , alternative medicine , pathology
The identification of colorants in historic plastics is a methodological and analytical challenge. Although deformulation is performed by the plastics industry, in the case of historical objects, sampling is often impossible, and in situ protocols are needed. The accurate identification of colorants provides insights into historical plastic formulations, supports planning of conservation studies, and critical data for objects that already exhibit color change (e.g. fading). Indeed, colorants may degrade following exposure to light, and color changes have been reported for plastic objects. The analysis of colorants remains a challenge, and microsampling is usually required. Successful identification of red pigments from thirty historical plastics is reported following a new in situ analytical protocol based on Raman microscopy. Information about other pigments, fillers and plastic polymers are reported. Fading has been observed in the historical plastic objects containing Pigment Red 53.