Short Description
Scanning electron microscope Zeiss EVO 15 with UltimMax 40 EDS detector from Oxford Instruments with AZtecLive standard software. The device allows work in high vacuum (HV) and low vacuum (VP) and has SE detectors for HV and VP (ETSE & C2D-F2) as well as a back scattered electron detector for HV and VP (LM-aBSD1).
Contact Person
Univ. Prof. Dr. Katja Sterflinger
Research Services
The Institute for Natural Sciences and Technology in the Arts (INTK) and the Core Facility "Centre for Material Sciences in Art and Conservation (ZMKK)" are central facilities of the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna for the natural scientific (material) analysis of works of art. The facilities support members of the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna or other research institutions, museums, libraries, archives, etc. in the realisation of joint projects within the framework of research funding or contract research and also offers services (third-party funding) for external parties.
The focus is on scientific material analyses of artworks and archive materials using FTIR, Raman, XRF, UV-Vis, HSI, RSI, ESEM (EDX), Py-GC/MS, digital X-ray radiography and photo documentation (Vis, UV, IR, IRR), microscopy, chambers for accelerated ageing of samples.
Special services with the REM-EDX:
- Element analysis for the characterisation of pigments in paint layers embedded in cross sections and of paint layer surfaces (morphology, point measurements and mappings).
- Analysis of mineral building materials and binders (lime, gypsum, plaster, mineral aggregates, clay minerals).
- Analysis of microbial growth on samples of art and cultural artefacts (plasters, slurries, natural stone, paintings, etc.).
-Analysis of the metal alloys (corrosion products) used in the art.
Methods & Expertise for Research Infrastructure
The scanning electron microscope with enegriedispersive X-ray spectroscopy supplements the INTK's range of methods with important aspects. For example, microbiological infestation on surfaces and materials such as plaster, wall paintings and natural stone can be detected in low-vacuum mode. The EDX function can be used to analyse mineral building materials and identify chemical elements in building materials and paint layers. Pigment analyses on cross-sections and analyses concerning the composition of metal alloys (and/or corrosion products) can also be carried out. In addition to point measurements, the device also allows mappings of selected areas.