Application of Advanced Analytical Techniques in Organic Cultural Heritage: A Case Study of Ancient Architecture Relics in the Palace Museum (Beijing)

Multilayer objects with different interfaces are quite typical for architectural heritage, and from them may be inferred the age, production process, deterioration mechanism through analyzing characteristic compositions advanced analytical techniques. The Meiwu ceiling in Hall of Mental Cultivation Palace Museum was found to contain many paper-based layers during conservation. Once several surface strata were detached, a colorful layer printed fabric textile discovered integrally. Through microscopic observation micro-attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) imaging, overall structure consisted 11 layers, namely, bast paper, cotton wiring, xuan fabric, two yellow board papers, bamboo three wood pulp paper coatings, starch considered as an organic adhesive. For identification fabric’s color palette, ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) combined high-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) technology, non-invasive macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI) applied situ. Seven industrial synthetic dyes, including auramine O, malachite green, eosin Y corresponding by-products, well chromium-based pigments dark draft line, confirmed. By diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive (SEM-EDS), micro Fourier (micro FTIR, other results showed chalk soil talc outermost coating. According time dyes degradation degree there at least four occurrences their specific periods speculated.