ATR-FTIR (Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) is a powerful analytical technique widely used in the examination of artworks and cultural heritage materials. In art investigation, it enables the identification of organic and inorganic compounds based on their characteristic infrared absorption bands, providing molecular-level information with minimal or no sampling. This makes ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy for paper particularly valuable in conservation science, where preserving the integrity of the object is essential.
For historical documents on paper, ATR-FTIR plays a crucial role in characterizing both the support and the materials applied to it. Cellulose, sizing agents, fillers, inks, adhesives, and degradation products each display distinctive spectral features that can be recognized and interpreted. ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy for paper is especially effective for studying paper composition, assessing ageing and oxidation processes, and identifying restoration materials introduced during past conservation treatments.
By allowing rapid, localized analysis directly on the document surface, ATR-FTIR supports informed conservation decisions and enhances our understanding of historical manufacturing techniques. The reliability and versatility of ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy for paper make it a cornerstone method in the scientific examination of paper-based heritage objects.
To reinforce the concepts discussed here, we also provide a video lesson that visually walks through the key points of this topic. Watching the video alongside the text can help you better understand and apply these ideas in practice.
Scientific Art Examination – Resources:
Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) – USA
The British Museum – Scientific Research Department – UK
Scientific Research Department – The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
C2RMF (Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France) – France
Rijksmuseum – Science Department – Netherlands
