A micro-chemical study of ancient mortars has been performed with the aim to evaluate merits and potential of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) technique in determining composition of mixtures and evaluating the reactivity of volcanic aggregates, taking advantages from its micro-destructivity and no sample preparation requirements. LIBS maps have been acquired on areas of about 25 mm2on a set of mortars suitable characterised by the occurrence of volcanic rock fragments with a relevant range in grain size. Na, Mg, Al, Si and Ca have been detected and raw maps have been processed using appropriate image processing and statistical methods (i.e.: PCA, false colour images, self-organized maps). The compositional images have been evaluated and interpreted in the light of the supporting data obtained by classical optical microscope and SEM-EDS methods. Results evidenced the possibility to employ LIBS for a preliminary micro-chemical characterization of mortars, revealing also the potentiality of the method to provide compositional and spatial distribution data on aggregate grains and hydraulic phases.

Examining the reactivity of volcanic ash in ancient mortars by using a micro-chemical approach

Mazzoleni, P.
2018-01-01

Abstract

A micro-chemical study of ancient mortars has been performed with the aim to evaluate merits and potential of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) technique in determining composition of mixtures and evaluating the reactivity of volcanic aggregates, taking advantages from its micro-destructivity and no sample preparation requirements. LIBS maps have been acquired on areas of about 25 mm2on a set of mortars suitable characterised by the occurrence of volcanic rock fragments with a relevant range in grain size. Na, Mg, Al, Si and Ca have been detected and raw maps have been processed using appropriate image processing and statistical methods (i.e.: PCA, false colour images, self-organized maps). The compositional images have been evaluated and interpreted in the light of the supporting data obtained by classical optical microscope and SEM-EDS methods. Results evidenced the possibility to employ LIBS for a preliminary micro-chemical characterization of mortars, revealing also the potentiality of the method to provide compositional and spatial distribution data on aggregate grains and hydraulic phases.
2018
Chemical maps; Micro-LIBS; Mortars; Reactivity; Volcanic ash; Archeology (arts and humanities); Archeology
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11769/335862
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