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Study of the thermal decomposition of historical metal threads

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Abstract

In this work, it is reported that thermal analysis techniques such as differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetric analysis are very useful for evaluating metals threads and fibres used in the manufacture of historical artifacts. Thermal analysis has been used to characterize the silk, cotton and linen employed as supports and the copper, silver and aluminium as the metallic components in the studied threads. Other organic compounds, mainly added for the conservation of the threads, have also been characterized.

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Acknowledgements

The samples were provided by two embroiderers, Fernando Enríquez Morán [http://brenesenlamemoria.blogspot.com.es/2014/10/bordados-fernandez-y-enriquez_5.html] and Eva Díaz Melero, and by Juan Antonio Conde and Antonio Albardonedo (private collections). Samples were collected to aid in the restoration processes of the artwork. The financial support of the Spanish Commission Interministerial of “Economia y Competitividad” (Plan Estatal 2013–2016 Retos–Proyectos I+D+i) under Project BIA2014-55318-R is also acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Materials Science Institute of Seville, CSIC-Seville University, Americo Vespucio 49, 41092, Seville, Spain

    Jose Luis Perez-Rodriguez & Maria Luisa Franquelo

  2. Technical Architecture Faculty, University of Seville, Reina Mercedes 4, 41002, Seville, Spain

    Rafael Perez-Maqueda

  3. University of Navarra, Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain

    Adrian Duran

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  1. Jose Luis Perez-Rodriguez
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  2. Rafael Perez-Maqueda
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  3. Maria Luisa Franquelo
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  4. Adrian Duran
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Correspondence to Jose Luis Perez-Rodriguez.

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Perez-Rodriguez, J.L., Perez-Maqueda, R., Franquelo, M.L. et al. Study of the thermal decomposition of historical metal threads. J Therm Anal Calorim 134, 15–22 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-017-6924-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-017-6924-x

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