ATR-FTIR (Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared) spectroscopy is a powerful technique for studying paper and iron gall ink by enabling the non-invasive analysis of both organic and inorganic compounds. For paper, ATR-FTIR is particularly useful in identifying additives and alterations from manufacturing processes or conservation treatments. However, its application to iron gall ink has generally shown limited success.
In this video lesson, we demonstrate the process of acquiring and interpreting ATR-FTIR spectra from historical paper and cellulose-based artifacts, providing practical examples and insights.
