A multidisciplinary study unveils the nature of a Roman ink of the I century AD

Abstract

A multi-instrumental approach combining highly sensitive Synchrotron Radiation-based techniques was used to provide information on the real composition of a dry black ink powder found in a bronze inkwell of the first century AD. The presence of Pb, Cu and Fe in the powder, revealed by XRF and ICP-OES data, leads to raise several hypotheses on their origin. The inkpot and its lid were also investigated by Hand-Held XRF, revealing a bronze alloy (Cu-Sn) with a certain amount of Fe and Pb. The lid was found to be particularly enriched in lead. XRPD, XAS and FTIR measurements showed a substantial presence of silicates and common clay minerals in the ink along with cerussite and malachite, Pb and Cu bearing-carbonates, respectively. These evidences support the hypothesis of an important contamination of the ink sample by the burial environment (soil) and the presence of degradation products of the bronze inkpot. The combined use of IR, Raman, and GC-MS evidenced that the black ink is mainly composed of amorphous carbon deriving from the combustion of organic material mixed with a natural binding agent, Arabic gum.

Exploring the potential of pyrolysis-comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in the characterization of Chinese inks of ancient manuscripts

“…Up to now, microscopy and surface chemistry still remain the main methods used to study traditional and ancient inks, in particular differences in particle size and aggregation among inks of different soot origin and presence of animal glue [3,[8][9][10][11][12].…”

Portable X-ray Fluorescence (pXRF) as a Tool for Environmental Characterisation and Management of Mining Wastes: Benefits and Limits

“…It is a non-destructive, rapid, simultaneous multi-element analytical technique for solid sample analysis. Since it can be used in situ or in the laboratory for the analysis of unprepared or lab-prepared samples, it provides a cost-and time-saving alternative solution compared to the more accurate and expensive standard laboratory analytical procedures (e.g., Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission and Mass Spectrometry-ICP-AES and ICP-MS; [1][2][3][4]). Moreover, pXRF allows for the rapid collection of a considerable amount of data, facilitating geostatistical approaches and decision making.…”