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The structure of the natural fossil resins of North Eurasia according to IR-spectroscopy and microscopic data

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Abstract

Molecular and supermolecular structures of fossilized resins from the North Eurasia have been studied in detail by IR-spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning (SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron (HRTEM) microscopy. The analysis of the IR-spectroscopy data allowed to identify the types of the fossil resins (succinite, rumanite, retinite, etc.). In the succinites and rumanite, the supermolecular structure was observed by AFM. Sizes of the supermolecular particles are 50–120 nm. Some chain-like and cluster-like aggregates can be observed when globules contact with each other. Using SEM and HRTEM techniques, it has been shown that mineral impurities are mainly located as scattered inclusions (from one nanometers up to several tens micrometers in size) in an amorphous organic matrix of the resin.

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Acknowledgments

This research was funded partially by The Programs of Presidium of Russian Academy of Science no. 09-C-5-1022, 27, Scientific School (grant 7198.2010.5). Authors thank Vasily N. Filippov for the realization of the X-ray spectral analysis. The authors are grateful to Dr. Elena Suvorova for the TEM observations. The support of the Centre Interdisciplinaire de Microscopie Electronique of the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne is acknowledged for making available the electron microscope. We are especially grateful to Dr. Maxim A. Bogdasarov for fossil resin samples and consultation. We also thank reviewers of this work for their remarks and wording assistance.

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  1. Institute of Geology of Komi SC of RAS, 54, Pervomaiskaya St., 167982, Syktyvkar, Russia

    Yevgeny A. Golubev & Olga V. Martirosyan

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  1. Yevgeny A. Golubev
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  2. Olga V. Martirosyan
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Correspondence to Yevgeny A. Golubev.

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Golubev, Y.A., Martirosyan, O.V. The structure of the natural fossil resins of North Eurasia according to IR-spectroscopy and microscopic data. Phys Chem Minerals 39, 247–258 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00269-011-0480-x

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