Analytical and computational study of three coptic icons in Saint Mercurius Monastery, Egypt

Abstract

Three wooden Coptic icons located at Saint Mercurius Monastery in Tamooh, Giza, Egypt were comprehensively investigated in order to determine the possible causes of their deterioration. Samples from every paint used in each icon were collected spanning from the outermost varnish layer down to the ground layer. Investigation was carried out using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). For interaction between the icon layers DFT calculations at B3LYP/6-31g(d,p) level were conducted in order to study the effect of humidity on the reactivity of the binder material and its possible role in the deterioration of the icons.

Utilizing Laser Spectroscopic Investigations to Determine the Current Conditions of Hetep Heres Pyramid in Giza, Egypt.

“…In comparison with the different molecular spectroscopic techniques, the laser-based Raman spectroscopy affords forthright recognition of the chemical structure with a better and direct appearance for the inorganic and organic molecules [25]. So, laser-based Raman spectroscopy turns into one of the characterization pillars of heritage research besides FTIR [26][27][28][29].…”

“…Also as more absorbing the laser more localized heating of the exposed area, this leads to sample damage and changing in the chemical structure. With the advances and fast development of nano technology in the lasers and CCD detectors through the last decade Raman spectroscopy developed to Raman micro-spectroscopy transferring the Raman to the new era of Raman mapping, which serves as a heaven tool for the culture heritage [29,30].…”

Photocatalytic activity of Chitosan/Z gel blind for the Photodegradation of Methyl Orange, for west water treatment

“…Chitosan could be easily soluble in water or slightly acidic water. [20][21][22][23] Spectroscopy always plays a crucial role in analyzing any new samples, the spectroscopic tools of analysis in molecular identification such as FTIR, Raman, and molecular modeling could help assign vast spectra of samples from the archeological samples to the biological samples [24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32]. Another kind of spectroscopic tool is atomic spectroscopy like atomic absorption, ICP, and neutron activation which also help in different types of samples like soils and water treatment and biological molecules [33][34][35][36].…”

Raman Micro-Spectroscopic Investigation of Corrosion Products.

“…Characterization tools for cultural heritage are of importance for characterizing the archaeological items. Vibrational spectroscopy like FTIR and Raman spectroscopy plays an important role in identifying the item structure on the molecular level [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Combining molecular modeling with the experimental techniques plays a very important role in both assigning the spectral charts and treating the surfaces of the monument with new compounds as protective layers [7][8][9][10][11].…”