"Analysis of cultural heritage materials and their degradation processes at SESAME Synchrotron."

"Cultural heritage objects are usually affected by degradation reactions (such oxidation, hydrolysis or complexation) that endanger their preservation, leading to costly restorations procedures and, eventually, the partial or total loss of the pieces. Consequently, an accurate characterization of the materials from historical objects is essential. It not only provides information about the materials present in these valuable objects but also sheds light on the ongoing degradation processes. This knowledge is essential for determining the optimal conservation conditions and, if necessary, identifying suitable restoration strategies. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been often applied to the analysis of cultural heritage materials since it allows to characterize a broad range of molecular changes, as well as the inter- and intramolecular interactions. However, the samples from historical objects are usually submicrometric and their degradation processes takes place in very limited areas (typically the interface between materials). Therefore, achieving high resolution becomes crucial, and this can be achieved through the coupling of FTIR spectroscopy with synchrotron radiation (SR-FTIR). Various case studies will be presented, including the projects carried out at Sesame, highlighting the potential of the IR beamline at SESAME to analyses these types of materials."