SEM backscattered-electron images of paint cross sections as information source for the presence of the lead white pigment and lead-related degradation and migration phenomena in oil paintings.

摘要: Scanning electron microscopy backscattered-electron images of paint cross sections show the compositional contrast within system. They not only give valuable information about pigment composition and layer structure but also aging processes in paint. This article focuses on reading backscatter lead white-containing samples from traditional oil paintings (17th–19th centuries). In to modern white, stack process white is characterized by a wide particle size distribution. Changes morphology distribution are indications chemical/physical reactivity Lead can be affected free fatty acids form soaps. The dissolution recognized image gray (less scattering) peripheries around particles amorphous areas as opposed well-defined, highly scattering intact particles. small react away first, while larger particles/lumps still visible. Formed soaps appear migrate or diffuse through semipermeable Lead-rich bands particles, at interfaces medium, transport. presence lead-containing crystals surface inside aggregates furthermore point migration mineralization