Abstract
Using synchrotron radiation-based analytical (SRXRF) and spectroscopic (XAS) non-destructive techniques, a study was carried out on lead-rich, tin-opacified yellow glazes (silica-lime-alkali type glasses) decorating ancient tiles (17-19th century). These glasses have a rather complex chemistry, being currently assumed that the yellow pigment used for centuries - a pyrochlore-type double oxide of lead and antimony - prevails within the glaze, despite Sb(3+) being recognized as a network-forming cation in glasses. Minerals and synthetics with known crystal structure were used as model compounds to interpret X-ray absorption spectroscopy data at Sb K-edge and Pb L-3-edge collected from ancient glazes. Theoretical modelling of Sb 1s XANES spectra was applied to demonstrate that antimony alone may be responsible for the yellow colour through a finely dispersed pyrochlore-type Sb-oxide, while lead remains hosted in the glassy matrix. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
| Original language | Unknown |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 134-137 |
| Journal | Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms |
| Volume | 238 |
| Issue number | 1-4 |
| Publication status | Published - Aug 2005 |