Skip to main content
Log in

Maturation process of natural resins recorded in their thermal properties

  • Polymers & biopolymers
  • Published:
Journal of Materials Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

A Correction to this article was published on 10 March 2020

This article has been updated

Abstract

The geothermal history of natural resins from different geographical locations was studied in terms of their age assessment and structure–properties relations. Thermal properties of resin samples were analyzed by thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), whereas infrared spectroscopy was used for analysis of the resins structure. Relative dependence between thermal parameters and degree of resin maturity was found. Glass transition process and thermal events during heating of raw materials were investigated by advanced stochastic-modulated DSC method, known as TOPEM®, that allowed to determine the “true” glass transition temperature in the first heating scan. It was observed that TG method is insufficient for the resin age assessment, although it was found that there is a certain correlation between the glass transition temperature, estimated by TOPEM® DSC, and resin age. The natural resins proved to be reactive and sensitive material under elevated temperatures up to 200 °C. Subsequent processes of evaporation, relaxation and curing without significant mass loss related to degradation were observed during heating of resin samples. The aging rate in natural resins has been assessed using the intensity of 1730 cm−1 and 1646 cm−1 band after deconvolution of IR spectra. It may be assumed that younger resins are characterized by relatively higher reactivity (higher number of C=C bonds) and lower oxidation level.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8

Similar content being viewed by others

Change history

  • 10 March 2020

    In the original article, there were errors in the Acknowledgements section.

  • 10 March 2020

    In the original article, there were errors in the Acknowledgements section.

References

  1. Ragazzi E, Roghi G, Giaretta A, Gianolla P (2003) Classification of amber based on thermal analysis. Thermochim Acta 404:43–54

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Schmidt AR, Perrichot V, Svojtka M et al (2010) Cretaceous African life captured in amber. PNAS 107(16):7329–7334

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Roghi G, Ragazzi E, Gianolla P (2006) Triassic amber of the southern Alps (Italy). Palaios 21:143–154

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Ragazzi E, Schmidt AR (2011) Amber. In: Reitner J, Thiel V (eds) Encyclopedia of geobiology. Springer, Heidelberg, pp 24–36

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  5. Anderson K, Crelling JC (1996) Amber, resinite, and fossil resins, ACS symposium series. ACS, Washington

    Book  Google Scholar 

  6. Anderson KB, Winans RE, Botto RE (1992) The nature and fate of natural resins in the geosphere—II. Identification, classification and nomenclature of resinites. Org Geochem 18(6):829–841

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Anderson KB, Botto RE (1993) The nature and fate of natural resins in the geosphere—III., Org Geochem 20(7):1027–1038

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Anderson KB (1994) The nature and fate of natural resins in the geosphere—IV. Middle and upper cretaceous amber from the Taimyr Peninsula, Syberia—evidence for a new form of polylabdanoid of resinite and revision of the classification of Class I resinites. Org Geochem 21(2):209–212

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Wolfe AP, McKellar RC, Tappert R, Sodhi RNS, Muehlenbachs K (2016) Bitterfeld amber is not Baltic amber: three geochemical tests and further constraints on the botanical affinities of succinate. Rev Palaeobot Palynol 225:21–32

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Nissenbaum A, Yaker D (1995) Stable isotope composition of amber. In: Anderson KB, Crelling JC (eds) Amber, resinite, and fossil resins. ACS, Washington, pp 32–42

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  11. Vávra N (2009) The chemistry of amber—facts, findings and opinions. Ann Naturhist Mus Wien 111(A):445–474

    Google Scholar 

  12. Zhao J, McKenna GB (2014) The apparent activation energy and dynamic fragility of ancient Ambers. Polymer 55:2246–2253

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Zhao J, Ragazzi E, McKenna GB (2013) Something about amber: fictive temperature and glass transition temperature of extremely old glasses from copal to Triassic amber. Polymer 54:7041–7047

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Jablonski P, Golloch A, Borchard W (1999) DSC-Measurements of amber and resin samples. Thermochim Acta 333:87–93

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Anderson KB (1995) New evidence concerning the structure, composition and maturation of Class I (polylabdanoid) resinites. In: Anderson K, Crelling JC (eds) Amber, resinite and fossil resins, vol 617. American Chemical Society. Washington, DC, pp 105–129

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  16. Remm KY (1976) Late Cretaceous biting midges (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) from fossil resins of the Khatanga Depression. Paleontol J 3:344–351

    Google Scholar 

  17. Poinar GO (1992) Life in amber. Stanford University Press, Stanford, p 368

    Google Scholar 

  18. Azar D, Adaymeh C, Jreich N (2007) Paleopsychoda zherikhini, a new Cretaceous species of moth flies from Taimyr amber (Diptera: Psychodidae: Psychodinae). Afr Invertebr 48(1):163–168

    Google Scholar 

  19. Bogdasarow MA (2010) Amber and others fossil resins of Eurasia. BrSU A.S. Pushkin, Brest, p 263

  20. Bechtel A, Chekryzhov IY, Nechaev VP, Kononov VV (2016) Hydrocarbon composition of Russian amber from the Voznovo lignite deposit and Sakhalin Island. Int J Coal Geol. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coal.2016.10.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Wolfe AP, Tappert R, Muehlenbachs K, Boudreau M, McKellar RC, Basinger JF, Garrett A (2009) A new proposal concerning the botanical origin of Baltic amber. Proc R Soc Lond B Biol 276:3403–3412

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Wimmer R, Rascher J, Krumbiegel G, Rappsilber I, Standke G (2009) Bitterfelder Bernstein-ein fossiles Harz und seine geologische Bedeutung. Geofokus (Geowiss.Mitt.) 38:6–15

    Google Scholar 

  23. Fuhrmann R (2008) Der Bitterfelder Bernstein—seine Herkunft und Genese. Mauritiana (Altenburg) 20:207–228

    Google Scholar 

  24. Weitschat W (2008) Bitterfelder und Baltischer Bernstein aus Paläoklimatischer und Paläontologischer Sicht. In: Rascher J, Wimmer R, Krumbiegel G, Schmiedel S (eds) Bitterfelder Bernstein versus Baltischer Bernstein: Hypothesen, Fakten, Fragen. II. Bitterfelder BernsteinkolloquiumExkursionsführer der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Geowissenschaften 236. Mecke Druck und Verlag, Duderstadt, pp 88–97

  25. Yamamoto S, Otto A, Krumbiegel G, Simoneit BRT (2006) The natural product biomarkers in succinite, glessite and stantienite ambers from Bitterfeld, Germany. Rev Paleobot Palyno 140(1–2):27–49

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Lambert JB, Levy AJ, Santiago-Blay JA, Wu Y (2013) Nuclear magnetic resonance characterization of Indonesian amber. Life Excit Biol 1:136–155

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Brackman W, Spaargaren K, Van Dongen JPCM, Couperus PA, Bakker F (1984) Origin and structure of the fossil resin from an Indonesian Miocene coal. Geochim Cosmochim Ac 48:2483–2487

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Adiwidjaja P, Decoster GL (1973) Pre-tertiary paleotopography and related sedimentation in South Sumatra. Indonesian Petroleum Association Sec Ann Convent Proc, pp 89–103

  29. Kosmowska-Ceranowicz B, Sachanbiński M, Łydżba-Kopczyńska B (2017) Analytical characterization of “Indonesian amber” deposits: evidence of formation from volcanic activity. Baltica 30:55–60

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Langenheim JH (2003) Plant resins. Chemistry, evolution, ecology, and ethnobotany. Cambridge, Portland, p 586

    Google Scholar 

  31. Iturralde-Vinent MA (2001) Geology of the amber-bearing deposits of the Greater Antilles. Caribb J Sci 37:141–167

    Google Scholar 

  32. DuBois MB, LaPolla JS (1999) A preliminary review of Colombian ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) preserved in copal. Entomol News 110:162–172

    Google Scholar 

  33. Schawe JEK, Heter T, Hertz C, Alig I, Lellinger D (2006) Stochastic temperature modulation: a new technique in temperature-modulated DSC. Thermochim Acta 446:147–155

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Pagacz J, Naglik B, Stach P, Natkaniec-Nowak L, Drzewicz P (2019) Preliminary thermal characterization of natural resins from different botanical sources and geological environments. J Therm Anal Calorim. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-019-08157-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Naglik B, Kosmowska-Ceranowicz B, Natkaniec-Nowak L, Drzewicz P, Dumańska-Słowik M et al (2018) Fossilization History of Fossil Resin from Jambi Province (Sumatra, Indonesia) Based on Physico-Chemical Studies. Minerals. https://doi.org/10.3390/min8030095

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Winkler W, Kirchner ECh, Asenbaum A, Musso M (2001) A Raman spectroscopic approach to the maturation process of fossil resins. J Raman Spectrosc 32:59–63

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Cebulak S, Matuszewska A, Langier-Kuźniarowa A (2003) Diversification of natural resins of various origin. Oxyreactive thermal analysis and infrared spectroscopy. J Thermal Anal Calorim 71:905–914

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Hobel S et al (1969) Chapter 2. Heat of polymerization. J Macromol Sci Part C 3(2):339–356. https://doi.org/10.1080/15583726908545927

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Montoro ÓR, Lobato Á, Baonza VG, Taravillo M (2018) Infrared spectroscopic study of the formation of fossil resin analogs with temperature using trans-communic acid as precursor. Microchem J 141:294–300

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Cheng S, Friedman V, McKenna GB (2019) A calorimetry investigation of glass temperature and fragility of ancient ambers from Texas and Canada. J Non-Cryst Solid 521:119549

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Kosmowska-Ceranowicz B, Wagner-Wysiecka E, Całka S (2012) Diagnostyczne pasma IRS po modyfikacji bursztynu. Pr Muz Ziemi 50:87–95

    Google Scholar 

  42. Khanjian H, Schilling M, Maish J (2013) FTIR and Py-GC/MS investigation of archaeological amber objects from the J. Paul Getty Mus e-PS 10:66–70

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Shashoua Y, Lund Degn Berthelsen M-B, Nielsen OF (2006) Raman and ATR-FTIR spectroscopies applied to the conservation of archaeological Baltic amber. J Raman Spectrosc 37:1221–1227

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Brody RH, Edwards HGM, Pollard AM (2001) A study of amber and copal samples using FT-Raman spectroscopy. Spectrochim Acta A 57:1325–1338

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Martín-Ramos P, Fernández-Coppel IA, Ruíz-Potosme NM, Martín-Gil J (2018) Potential of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy for the classification of natural resins. BEMS Rep 4(1):3–6. https://doi.org/10.5530/bems.4.1.2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Derrick M (1989) Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis of natural resins used in furniture finishes. J Am Inst Conserv 28(1):43–56

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Wagner-Wysiecka E, Szwedo J, Sontag E, Sobecka A, Czebreszuk J, Cwaliński M (eds) (2018) International symposium amber. Science and art. Gdańsk International Fair Co. (MTG SA), Gdańsk, p 127

  48. Tumiłowicz P, Synoradzki L, Sobiecka A, Arct J, Pytkowska K, Safarzyński S (2016) Bioactivity of Baltic amber—fossil resin. Polimery. https://doi.org/10.14314/polimery.2016.347

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Vávra N (2009) Amber, fossil resins, and copal—contributions to the terminology of fossil plant resins. Denisia 86:213–222

    Google Scholar 

  50. Kosmowska-Ceranowicz B, Krumbiegel G, Vávra N (1993) Glessit, ein tertiäres Harz von Angiospermen der Familie Burseraceae. Neues Jb Geol Paläontol Abh 187:299–324

    Google Scholar 

  51. McCoy VE, Boom A, Solórzano Kraemer MM, Gabbott SE (2017) The chemistry of American and African amber, copal, and resin from the genus Hymenaea. Org Geochem 113:43–54

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Research Grant No. 61.9012.1908.00.0 from AGH University of Science and Technology and the research Grant No. 61.9012.1908 from Polish Geological Institute-National Research Institute. Authors would also like to thank Dr. Daniel Fragiadakis, Naval Research Laboratory, USA, who develops and maintains the software Grafity (distributed free of charge at grafitylabs.com), which was used for our data analysis. Authors thanks Polymer Materials Laboratory from ŁUKASIEWICZ—Polish Center for Technology Development—for kind use of thermo-analytical equipment. Special thanks are directed to Anselm Krumbiegel for providing the resin samples that were collected by his father.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Contributions

JP designed the experiments, prepared figures, interpreted the data and was responsible for original draft and final version preparation. BN, LN-N, PD and PS provided samples for analysis with their geological description and were responsible for review and editing the paper.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Joanna Pagacz.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Electronic supplementary material

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

10853_2019_4302_MOESM1_ESM.doc

Fig. S1. IR spectra of selected natural resins after normalization and deconvolution (spectral range of 1900–1500 cm−1 at room temperature): a RU/S/3 and DE/B/28, b PL/GD/1 with ID/SJ/7 (DOC 376 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Pagacz, J., Naglik, B., Stach, P. et al. Maturation process of natural resins recorded in their thermal properties. J Mater Sci 55, 4504–4523 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-019-04302-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-019-04302-0

Navigation