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Author Marchetti, A.; Beltran, V.; Storme, P.; Nuyts, G.; Van Der Meeren, L.; Skirtach, A.; Otten, E.; Debulpaep, M.; Watteeuw, L.; De Wael, K. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title All that glitters is not gold : unraveling the material secrets behind the preservation of historical brass Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Journal of cultural heritage Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 63 Issue Pages 179-186  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Art; History; Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)  
  Abstract Brass is a relatively stable alloy but it tends to tarnish over time due to the interaction with the atmosphere. Thus, it is rare to observe centuries-old brass objects untouched by the passing of time. For this reason, the pristine appearance of hundreds of brass sequins in the Enclosed Gardens of Mechelen (reliquary altarpieces produced between 1530 and 1550) is remarkable. In this study, the chemical and metallographic characterization of such unexpectedly well-preserved objects is presented. The results revealed the reason for their stability to be a combination of high-quality materials (i.e. medium Zn content, low impurities) and optimal surface properties (i.e. high homogeneity, low roughness), indicating the high level of expertise of the craftsmen who produced them. Novel fundamental insights on the historical manufacturing method of metallic sequins were also obtained.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001058894000001 Publication Date 2023-08-14  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN (up) 1296-2074 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.1 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access: Available from 15.08.2024  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.1; 2023 IF: 1.838  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:198113 Serial 8830  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Wuyts, K.; Hofman, J.; van Wittenberghe, S.; Nuyts, G.; De Wael, K.; Samson, R. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title A new opportunity for biomagnetic monitoring of particulate pollution in an urban environment using tree branches Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Atmospheric environment : an international journal Abbreviated Journal Atmos Environ  
  Volume 190 Issue 190 Pages 177-187  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract Environmental magnetism, and the magnetic leaf signal in particular, is amply investigated and applied as proxy for atmospheric particulate matter pollution. In this study, we investigated the magnetic signal of annual segments of tree branches, and the composition of particles deposited hereon. Branches are, contrary to leaves of deciduous trees, available during leaf-off seasons and exposed to air pollution year-round. We examined the intra- and inter-tree variation in saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM) of branch internodes of London plane (Platanus x aeerifolia Willd.) trees in an urban environment. The branch SIRM, normalized by surface area, ranged from 18 to 650 x 10(-6) angstrom; the median amounted to 106 x 10(-6) angstrom. Most of the branch magnetic signal was attributed to the epidermis or bark, and the presence of metal-containing particles on the branch surfaces was confirmed by SEM-EDX. The location of the trees and the height, the depth in the crown and the age of the branches significantly influenced the branch SIRM. The median branch SIRM was up to 135% higher near a busy ring road than in quiet environments (city park and quiet street canyon), and was linked to the presence of Fe-rich particles with co-occurrence of trace metals such as Cr, Cu, Zn and Mn on the branch surface. Within the tree crowns, the branch SIRM generally decreased with increasing height, and was 22% higher in the interior than at the periphery of the crowns. Within the branches, the SIRM increased with each year of exposure, but did not relate to year-to-year variation in particle concentrations due to branch surface changes (epidermis shedding). Our results provide indications that branches can be a valuable alternative for biomagnetic monitoring of particulate pollution, but intra-tree variability in branch SIRM can be substantial due to the branch's location in the tree and branch age.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000444659400017 Publication Date 2018-07-11  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN (up) 1352-2310 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.629 Times cited 3 Open Access  
  Notes ; We would like to thank the city council services of the city of Antwerp for their logistical support. We are grateful to Ana Castanheiro and Leen Van Ham for laboratory and SEM assistance. JH is supported as postdoctoral fellow of the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO; 12I4816N) and SVW is supported by a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship under the grant agreement no 701815 FLUOPHOT. ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.629  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:153607 Serial 5454  
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Author Castanheiro, A.; Hofman, J.; Nuyts, G.; Joosen, S.; Spassov, S.; Blust, R.; Lenaerts, S.; De Wael, K.; Samson, R. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Leaf accumulation of atmospheric dust : biomagnetic, morphological and elemental evaluation using SEM, ED-XRF and HR-ICP-MS Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Atmospheric Environment Abbreviated Journal Atmos Environ  
  Volume 221 Issue 221 Pages 117082  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)  
  Abstract Atmospheric dust deposition on plants enables the collection of site-specific particulate matter (PM). Knowing the morphology and composition of PM aids in disclosing their emitting sources as well as the associated human health risk. Therefore, this study aimed for a leaf-level holistic analysis of dust accumulation on plant leaves. Plant species (ivy and strawberry) with distinct leaf macro- and micro-morphology were exposed during 3 months at a moderate road traffic site in Antwerp, Belgium. Leaves collected every three weeks were analyzed for their magnetic signature, morphology and elemental content, by a combination of techniques (biomagnetic analyses, ED-XRF, HR-ICP-MS, SEM). Dust accumulation on the leaves was observed both visually (SEM) and magnetically, while the metal enrichment was limited (only evident for Cr) and more variable over time. Temporal dynamics during the second half of the exposure period, due to precipitation events and reduction of atmospheric pollution input, were evidenced in our results (elements/magnetically/SEM). Ivy accumulated more dust than strawberry leaves and seemed less susceptible to wash-off, even though strawberry leaves contain trichomes and a rugged micromorphology, leaf traits considered to be important for capturing PM. The magnetic enrichment (in small-grained, SD/PSD magnetite particles), on the other hand, was not species-specific, indicating a common contributing source. Variations in pollution contributions, meteorological phenomena, leaf traits, particle deposition (and encapsulation) versus micronutrients depletion, are discussed in light of the conducted monitoring campaign. Although not completely elucidative, the complex, multifactorial process of leaf dust accumulation can better be understood through a combination of techniques.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000503097100001 Publication Date 2019-11-03  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN (up) 1352-2310 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes ; The authors thank the Flemish Environment Agency (VMM) for their collaboration and air quality and meteorological data, and Karen Wuyts for the discussion about plant leaf characteristics. A.C. gratefully acknowledges the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) for her PhD fellowship (1S21418N). J.H. received a FWO postdoctoral fellowship grant (1214816N). ; Approved Most recent IF: 5; 2020 IF: 3.629  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:165458 Serial 5691  
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Author Beltran, V.; Marchetti, A.; Nuyts, G.; Leeuwestein, M.; Sandt, C.; Borondics, F.; De Wael, K. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Nanoscale analysis of historical paintings by means of O‐PTIR spectroscopy : the identification of the organic particles in L’Arlésienne (portrait of Madame Ginoux) by Van Gogh Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Angewandte Chemie-International Edition Abbreviated Journal Angew Chem Int Edit  
  Volume 60 Issue 42 Pages 22753-22760  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Art; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract Optical-photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) spectroscopy is a recently developed technique that provides spectra comparable to traditional transmission FTIR spectroscopy with nanometric spatial resolution. Hence, O-PTIR is a promising candidate for the analysis of historical paintings, as well as other cultural heritage objects, but its potential has not yet been evaluated.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000694015700001 Publication Date 2021-06-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN (up) 1433-7851; 0570-0833 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 11.994 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 11.994  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179989 Serial 8291  
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Author Muhammad, S.; Wuyts, K.; Nuyts, G.; De Wael, K.; Samson, R. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Characterization of epicuticular wax structures on leaves of urban plant species and its association with leaf wettability Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Urban Forestry & Urban Greening Abbreviated Journal Urban For Urban Gree  
  Volume 47 Issue 47 Pages 126557  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract Epicuticular wax (EW) protects the plant’s integrity and acts as a barrier against biotic and abiotic stresses. The micro-structured three-dimensional EW’s and presence of leaf trichomes influence the wettability of a leaf surface. In this study, leaves of 96 perennial urban plant species were examined to determine an association between epicuticular wax structure (EWS) types and leaf wettability and investigate their seasonal variation. The EWS types were identified using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), while leaf wettability was analyzed by measuring the drop contact angle (DCA) on both the abaxial and the adaxial sides of leaves collected from a common garden in June and September 2016. Four distinct EWS types namely thin film, platelets, crusts, and tubules were observed on leaves of investigated plant species in both June and September. The EWS types varied significantly between functional plant types and plant families in both June and September. In June, the abaxial DCA ranged from 56° to 147°, and the adaxial DCA ranged from 56° to 136°. In September, the abaxial DCA ranged from 54° to 130°, and the adaxial DCA ranged from 51° to 125°. The effect of time, leaf side, and EWS type on leaf wettability were significant. Plant species which showed a change in EWS type or clustering from June to September did not show a more pronounced reduction in DCA compared to those species which exhibited a constant EWS type. Findings from our study illustrate that DCA is not a good indicator in determining the different EWS types due to overlapping DCA intervals between the identified EWS types. However, the identified EWS types remained fairly stable throughout the in-leaf season and do not require repeated measurements for characterization.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000508389000028 Publication Date 2019-12-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN (up) 1618-8667 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 6.4 Times cited 5 Open Access  
  Notes ; The research was funded by the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP # 15103399). The SEM equipment was funded by FWO/Hercules. The authors acknowledge the help of the ENdEMIC group involved in the upkeep of the experimental site. The authors would like to thank the anonymous reviewers for their critical comments and constructive suggestions in improving the quality of the article. ; Approved Most recent IF: 6.4; 2020 IF: 2.113  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:164906 Serial 5504  
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Author Smets, B.; Boschker, H.T.S.; Wetherington, M.T.; Lelong, G.; Hidalgo-Martinez, S.; Polerecky, L.; Nuyts, G.; De Wael, K.; Meysman, F.J.R. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Multi-wavelength Raman microscopy of nickel-based electron transport in cable bacteria Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2024 Publication Frontiers in microbiology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 15 Issue Pages 1208033-16  
  Keywords A1 Journal article  
  Abstract Cable bacteria embed a network of conductive protein fibers in their cell envelope that efficiently guides electron transport over distances spanning up to several centimeters. This form of long-distance electron transport is unique in biology and is mediated by a metalloprotein with a sulfur-coordinated nickel (Ni) cofactor. However, the molecular structure of this cofactor remains presently unknown. Here, we applied multi-wavelength Raman microscopy to identify cell compounds linked to the unique cable bacterium physiology, combined with stable isotope labeling, and orientation-dependent and ultralow-frequency Raman microscopy to gain insight into the structure and organization of this novel Ni-cofactor. Raman spectra of native cable bacterium filaments reveal vibrational modes originating from cytochromes, polyphosphate granules, proteins, as well as the Ni-cofactor. After selective extraction of the conductive fiber network from the cell envelope, the Raman spectrum becomes simpler, and primarily retains vibrational modes associated with the Ni-cofactor. These Ni-cofactor modes exhibit intense Raman scattering as well as a strong orientation-dependent response. The signal intensity is particularly elevated when the polarization of incident laser light is parallel to the direction of the conductive fibers. This orientation dependence allows to selectively identify the modes that are associated with the Ni-cofactor. We identified 13 such modes, some of which display strong Raman signals across the entire range of applied wavelengths (405–1,064 nm). Assignment of vibrational modes, supported by stable isotope labeling, suggest that the structure of the Ni-cofactor shares a resemblance with that of nickel bis(1,2-dithiolene) complexes. Overall, our results indicate that cable bacteria have evolved a unique cofactor structure that does not resemble any of the known Ni-cofactors in biology.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001189511900001 Publication Date 2024-03-08  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN (up) 1664-302x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:205115 Serial 9214  
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Author Ceglia, A.; Nuyts, G.; Cagno, S.; Meulebroeck, W.; Baert, K.; Cosyns, P.; Nys, K.; Thienpont, H.; Janssens, K.; Terryn, H. doi  openurl
  Title A XANES study of chromophores : the case of black glass Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication Analytical methods Abbreviated Journal Anal Methods-Uk  
  Volume 6 Issue 8 Pages 2662-2671  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract We studied the Fe K-edge X-ray absorption near edge (XANES) spectra of several Roman black glass fragments in order to determine the Fe3+/ΣFe ratio of these materials. The selected archaeological glass samples cover the period 1st5th century AD in nine different sites of the North Western provinces of the Roman Empire. The fragments belong to two different compositional groups demonstrating a diachronic evolution: early Roman HMG (High Magnesia Glass) and Roman Imperial LMG (Low Magnesia Glass). The first group contains natural Fe levels (below 2 wt% as Fe2O3), while the LMG has concentrations above 5 wt%. This difference is also reflected by Fe3+/ΣFe values. Low iron glass was produced under strongly reducing conditions in order to obtain the black colour, with average Fe3+/ΣFe values ≈ 0.17. LMG glass is somewhat more oxidised (Fe3+/ΣFe ≈ 0.40.5). While HMG glass required active control of the furnace environment, LMG was made under ambient atmosphere and its higher oxidation degree is mainly determined by the chemistry of the raw glass.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000333524200032 Publication Date 2014-02-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN (up) 1759-9660 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 1.9 Times cited 14 Open Access  
  Notes ; The authors are grateful to the staff of beamline L in HASYLAB for their helpful support. The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme FP7/2007-2013 under grant agreement no. 265010. Support from the University of Antwerp Research Council through GOA Programme “XANES meets ELNES” is gratefully acknowledged. This work was partly supported by the Research Council of Norway through its Centres of Excellence funding scheme, project number 223268/F50. We would like to thank M. P. Riccardi and E. Basso of the University of Pavia and R. Falcone of the Stazione Sperimentale del Vetro who provided us with the reference glasses. ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.9; 2014 IF: 1.821  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:116596 Serial 5919  
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Author Nuyts, G.; Cagno, S.; Hellemans, K.; Veronesi, G.; Cotte, M.; Janssens, K. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Study of the early stages of Mn intrusion in corroded glass by means of combined SR FTIR/\muXRF imaging and XANES spectroscopy Type P1 Proceeding
  Year 2013 Publication Procedia Chemistry T2 – Youth in Conservation of Cultural Heritage Conference (YOCOCU), June 18-20, 2012, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 239-247  
  Keywords P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract Historical glass, especially medieval glass, can undergo weathering under the influence of time and environmental conditions. The aim of this investigation was to better understand the processes involved in this natural degradation process by studying artificially altered glass samples prepared for the use of evaluation of conservation methods. Non-durable glass sensors produced by the Fraunhofer Institute (type M1.0) were used as a starting material for artificial alteration. These were immersed in acidic (pH = 0, 2, 4) and neutral solutions (1 h – 8 h). In a second stage the glass samples were immersed in a 0.5 M MnCl2 solution (24 h, 48 h and 72 h), allowing intrusion of Mn from the solution into the gel layer. The samples were characterized at different stages with reflectance FTIR spectroscopy, mu XRF mapping and mu XANES. All measurements were carried out at ESRF, beamline ID21. Reflectance FTIR spectroscopy measurements were performed in the 800 4000 cm(-1) range. Cluster analysis of the resulting maps evidenced the rapid growth of the gel layer in strong acidic conditions. The average spectra for each cluster feature show for the original glass a strong Si-O- stretching band between 900 and 1000 cm(-1), whereas the gel layer could be identified by the increasing Si-O-Si bands around 1100 and 1250 cm(-1). mu XRF maps were recorded at different stages of the experiment at energies around the Mn-K edge (6.539 keV) and with a step size of 2 by 2 m. These confirm the leaching of K+ and Ca+2 from the glass and the intrusion of Mn from the solution. Mn was found throughout the entire gel layer, but with a concentration gradient peaking at the surface. XANES point measurements were recorded at various points where Mn was present. No spatial variation was found, but linear combination fitting of the spectra with various Mn reference compounds indicated that Mn2+Mn23+O4 is the main Mn compound in the gel layer, as was hypothesised by Watkinson et al. The standard corroded glass samples studied here can be used for the evaluation of conservation treatments in follow-up experiments. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the IA-CS (Italian Association of Conservation Scientists) and University of Antwerp  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000321673900030 Publication Date 2013-04-17  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume 8 Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN (up) 1876-6196 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited 4 Open Access  
  Notes ; This research was supported by the Interuniversity Attraction Poles Programme – Belgian Science Policy (IUAP VI/16). The text also presents results of GOA XANES “meets ELNES” (Research Fund University of Antwerp, Belgium) and from FWO (Brussels, Belgium) projects no. G.0704.08 and G.01769.09. We gratefully acknowledge ESRF for granting beamtime (experiment EC873). ; Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:109871 Serial 5851  
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Author Byrnes, I.; Rossbach, L.M.; Brede, D.A.; Grolimund, D.; Sanchez, D.F.; Nuyts, G.; Cuba, V.; Reinoso-Maset, E.; Salbu, B.; Janssens, K.; Oughton, D.; Scheibener, S.; Teien, H.-C.; Lind, O.C. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence imaging elucidates uranium toxicokinetics in Daphnia magna Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication ACS nano Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 17 Issue 6 Pages 5296-5305  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)  
  Abstract A combination of synchrotron-based elemental anal-ysis and acute toxicity tests was used to investigate the biodistribution and adverse effects in Daphnia magna exposed to uranium nanoparticle (UNP, 3-5 nm) suspensions or to uranium reference (Uref) solutions. Speciation analysis revealed similar size distributions between exposures, and toxicity tests showed com-parable acute effects (UNP LC50: 402 mu g L-1 [336-484], Uref LC50: 268 mu g L-1 [229-315]). However, the uranium body burden was 3 -to 5-fold greater in UNP-exposed daphnids, and analysis of survival as a function of body burden revealed a similar to 5-fold higher specific toxicity from the Uref exposure. High-resolution X-ray fluorescence elemental maps of intact, whole daphnids from sublethal, acute exposures of both treatments revealed high uranium accumulation onto the gills (epipodites) as well as within the hepatic ceca and the intestinal lumen. Uranium uptake into the hemolymph circulatory system was inferred from signals observed in organs such as the heart and the maxillary gland. The substantial uptake in the maxillary gland and the associated nephridium suggests that these organs play a role in uranium removal from the hemolymph and subsequent excretion. Uranium was also observed associated with the embryos and the remnants of the chorion, suggesting uptake in the offspring. The identification of target organs and tissues is of major importance to the understanding of uranium and UNP toxicity and exposure characterization that should ultimately contribute to reducing uncertainties in related environmental impact and risk assessments.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000960129800001 Publication Date 2023-03-15  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN (up) 1936-0851 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 17.1 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 17.1; 2023 IF: 13.942  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:196061 Serial 8631  
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Author Al-Emam, E.; Beltran, V.; De Meyer, S.; Nuyts, G.; Wetemans, V.; De Wael, K.; Caen, J.; Janssens, K. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Removal of a past varnish treatment from a 19th-century Belgian wall painting by means of a solvent-loaded double network hydrogel Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Polymers Abbreviated Journal Polymers-Basel  
  Volume 13 Issue 16 Pages 2651-20  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Art; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)  
  Abstract Polymeric materials have been used by painting conservator-restorers as consolidants and/or varnishes for wall paintings. The application of these materials is carried out when confronting loose paint layers or as a protective coating. However, these materials deteriorate and cause physiochemical alterations to the treated surface. In the past, the monumental neo-gothic wall painting 'The Last Judgment' in the chapel of Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege in Antwerp, Belgium was treated with a synthetic polymeric material. This varnish deteriorated significantly and turned brown, obscuring the paint layers. Given also that the varnish was applied to some parts of the wall painting and did not cover the entire surface, it was necessary to remove it in order to restore the original appearance of the wall painting. Previous attempts carried out by conservator-restorers made use of traditional cleaning methods, which led to damage of the fragile paint layers. Therefore, gel cleaning was proposed as a less invasive and more controllable method for gently softening and removing the varnish. The work started by identifying the paint stratigraphy and the deteriorated varnish via optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. A polyvinyl alcohol-borax/agarose (PVA-B/AG) hydrogel loaded with a number of solvents/solvent mixtures was employed in a series of tests to select the most suitable hydrogel composite. By means of the hydrogel composite loaded with 10% propylene carbonate, it was possible to safely remove the brown varnish layer. The results were verified by visual examinations (under visible light 'VIS' and ultraviolet light 'UV') as well as OM and FTIR spectroscopy.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000690248000001 Publication Date 2021-08-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN (up) 2073-4360 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.364 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.364  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181567 Serial 8470  
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Author Benito, P.; de Nolf, W.; Nuyts, G.; Janssens, K.; et al. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Role of coating-metallic support interaction in the properties of electrosynthesized Rh-based structured catalysts Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication ACS catalysis Abbreviated Journal Acs Catal  
  Volume 4 Issue 10 Pages 3779-3790  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract Rh-structured catalysts for the catalytic partial oxidation of CH4 to syngas were prepared by electrosynthesis of Rh-containing hydrotalcite-type (HT) compounds on FeCrAlloy foams followed by calcination at 900 degrees C. During the calcination the simultaneous decomposition of the layered HT structure and formation of the protective FeCrAlloy outer shell in alumina occurred. Here, we studied the role of the coating-metallic support interaction in the properties of the catalysts after calcination, H-2 reduction, and catalytic tests, by a combination of electron (FEG-SEM/EDS) and synchrotron X-ray (XRF/XRPD and XRF/XANES) microscopic techniques. The characterization of crystalline phases in the metallic support and coating and distribution of Rh active species was carried out on several samples prepared by modifying the Rh content in the electrolytic solution (Rh/Mg/Al = 11.0/70.0/19.0, 5.0/70.0/25.0, 0/70.0/30.0 atomic ratio). A sample was also prepared with no aluminum in the electrolytic solution (Rh/Mg/Al = 13.6/86.4/0.0 atomic ratio) and calcined at 550 and 900 degrees C. The interaction between the elements of the metallic support and the catalytic coating increased the film adhesion during the thermal treatment and catalytic tests and modified the catalyst crystalline phases. A chemical reaction between Al corning from the foam and Mg in the coating occurred during calcination at high temperature leading to the formation of spinel phases in which rhodium is solved, together with some Rh2O3 and Rh. The metallic support was oxidized forming the corundum scale and chromium oxides, moreover t-Al2O3 was identified. For the Rh11.0Mg70.0Al19.0 catalyst the inclusion of Rh in the spinel phase decreased its reducibility in the H-2 pretreatment. The reduction continued during catalytic tests by feeding diluted CH4/O-2/He gas mixtures, evidenced by the catalyst activation. While under concentrated gas mixtures the deactivation occurred, probably by oxidation.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000345735200053 Publication Date 2014-09-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN (up) 2155-5435 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 10.614 Times cited 13 Open Access  
  Notes ; The authors thank the scientists who assisted during the conducted experiments: D. Grolimund and C. N. Borca for the mu XRF/XRPD experiments performed at MicroXAS Beamline of SLS, M. Janousch for the mu XRF/XANES experiments at Phoenix Beamline of the SLS, M. Salome for the mu XRE/XANES experiments at ID21 Beamline of the ESRF, and I. Guerra for the FEG-SEM/EDS experiments at Granada University. Thanks must go to Porvair for supplying FeCrAlloy foams. The financial support from the Ministero per l'Istruzione, l'Universita e la Ricerca (MIUR, Roma, I) is gratefully acknowledged. ; Approved Most recent IF: 10.614; 2014 IF: 9.312  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:122215 Serial 5820  
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Author Janssens, K.; van der Snickt, G.; Vanmeert, F.; Legrand, S.; Nuyts, G.; Alfeld, M.; Monico, L.; Anaf, W.; de Nolf, W.; Vermeulen, M.; Verbeeck, J.; De Wael, K. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Non-invasive and non-destructive examination of artistic pigments, paints, and paintings by means of X-Ray methods Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Topics in Current Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Topics Curr Chem  
  Volume 374 Issue 374 Pages 81  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract Recent studies are concisely reviewed, in which X-ray beams of (sub)micrometre to millimetre dimensions have been used for non-destructive analysis and characterization of pigments, minute paint samples, and/or entire paintings from the seventeenth to the early twentieth century painters. The overview presented encompasses the use of laboratory and synchrotron radiation-based instrumentation and deals with the use of several variants of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) as a method of elemental analysis and imaging, as well as with the combined use of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Microscopic XRF is a variant of the method that is well suited to visualize the elemental distribution of key elements, mostly metals, present in paint multi-layers, on the length scale from 1 to 100 μm inside micro-samples taken from paintings. In the context of the characterization of artists pigments subjected to natural degradation, the use of methods limited to elemental analysis or imaging usually is not sufficient to elucidate the chemical transformations that have taken place. However, at synchrotron facilities, combinations of μ-XRF with related methods such as μ-XAS and μ-XRD have proven themselves to be very suitable for such studies. Their use is often combined with microscopic Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy and/or Raman microscopy since these methods deliver complementary information of high molecular specificity at more or less the same length scale as the X-ray microprobe techniques. Since microscopic investigation of a relatively limited number of minute paint samples, taken from a given work of art, may not yield representative information about the entire artefact, several methods for macroscopic, non-invasive imaging have recently been developed. Those based on XRF scanning and full-field hyperspectral imaging appear very promising; some recent published results are discussed.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Springer international publishing ag Place of Publication Cham Editor  
  Language Wos 000391178900006 Publication Date 2016-11-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN (up) 2365-0869;2364-8961; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.033 Times cited 50 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.033  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:139930UA @ admin @ c:irua:139930 Serial 4443  
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Author Monico, L.; Cartechini, L.; Rosi, F.; Chieli, A.; Grazia, C.; De Meyer, S.; Nuyts, G.; Vanmeert, F.; Janssens, K.; Cotte, M.; De Nolf, W.; Falkenberg, G.; Sandu, I.C.A.; Tveit, E.S.; Mass, J.; De Freitas, R.P.; Romani, A.; Miliani, C. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Probing the chemistry of CdS paints in The Scream by in situ noninvasive spectroscopies and synchrotron radiation x-ray techniques Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Science Advances Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 6 Issue 20 Pages eaay3514  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract The degradation of cadmium sulfide (CdS)-based oil paints is a phenomenon potentially threatening the iconic painting The Scream (ca. 1910) by Edvard Munch (Munch Museum, Oslo) that is still poorly understood. Here, we provide evidence for the presence of cadmium sulfate and sulfites as alteration products of the original CdS-based paint and explore the external circumstances and internal factors causing this transformation. Macroscale in situ noninvasive spectroscopy studies of the painting in combination with synchrotron-radiation x-ray microspectroscopy investigations of a microsample and artificially aged mock-ups show that moisture and mobile chlorine compounds are key factors for promoting the oxidation of CdS, while light (photodegradation) plays a less important role. Furthermore, under exposure to humidity, parallel/secondary reactions involving dissolution, migration through the paint, and recrystallization of water-soluble phases of the paint are associated with the formation of cadmium sulfates.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000533573300009 Publication Date 2020-05-16  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN (up) 2375-2548 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 13.6 Times cited 4 Open Access  
  Notes ; The research was financially supported by the European research project IPERION-CH, funded by the European Commission, H2020-INFRAIA-2014-2015 (grant agreement no. 654028); the project AMIS, within the program Dipartimenti di Eccellenza 2018-2022 (funded by MIUR and University of Perugia); and the program “Ricerca di Base 2017” (funded by University of Perugia). S.D.M. and K.J. acknowledge the GOA Project SolarPaint from the University of Antwerp Research Council and projects G056619N and G054719N from FWO (Brussels). F.V. and K.J. acknowledge support from Interreg Project Smart*Light and thank BELSPO (Brussels) for financial support via FED-tWIN mandate PRF055. L.M. acknowledges the Erasmus+ program (Staff Mobility for training, A. Y. 2018 to 2019) of the European Commission. In situ noninvasive analyses were performed using the European MOLAB platform, which is financially supported by the European project IPERION-CH. For the beamtime grants received, the authors thank the ESRF-ID21 beamline (experiment nos. HG32, HG64, and HG95), DESY-P06 beamline, a member of the Helmholtz Association HGF (experiment nos. I-20130221 EC and I-20160126 EC), and the project CALIPSOplus under the Grant Agreement 730872 from the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation HORIZON 2020. ; Approved Most recent IF: 13.6; 2020 IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:169519 Serial 6585  
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Author Marchetti, A.; Beltran, V.; Nuyts, G.; Borondics, F.; De Meyer, S.; Van Bos, M.; Jaroszewicz, J.; Otten, E.; Debulpaep, M.; De Wael, K. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Novel optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) spectroscopy for the noninvasive characterization of heritage glass-metal objects Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Science Advances Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 8 Issue 9 Pages eabl6769-9  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)  
  Abstract Optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) is a recently developed molecular spectroscopy technique that allows to noninvasively obtain chemical information on organic and inorganic samples at a submicrometric scale. The high spatial resolution (approximate to 450 nm), lack of sample preparation, and comparability of the spectral results to traditional Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy make it a promising candidate for the analysis of cultural heritage. In this work, the potential of O-PTIR for the noninvasive characterization of small heritage objects (few cubic centimeters) is demonstrated on a series of degraded 16th century brass and glass decorative elements. These small and challenging samples, typically encountering limitations with existing noninvasive methods such as macroscopic x-ray powder diffraction and mu Raman, were successfully characterized by O-PTIR, ultimately identifying the markers of glass-induced metal corrosion processes. The results clearly demonstrate how O-PTIR can be easily implemented in a noninvasive multianalytical strategy for the study of heritage materials, making it a fundamental tool for cultural heritage analyses.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000790020300013 Publication Date 2022-03-04  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN (up) 2375-2548 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 13.6 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 13.6  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188642 Serial 7184  
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