CIRAM performs the analysis of organic materials present in works of art, archaeological artifacts, and industrial materials: varnishes, residues, waxes, binders.
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The analysis of organic materials aims to identify, by chemical or isotopic means, substances of natural or synthetic origin present in a heritage object or an industrial material. This characterization technique primarily targets:
In the art market, it allows for the evaluation of an object's historical and technological consistency or the authentication of a work. In archaeology, it provides functional information on past uses (containers, rituals, techniques). In an industrial context, it offers guarantees on the composition, origin, or conformity of a material.
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CIRAM employs several complementary methods, selected according to the nature of the samples and the study objectives:
These methods can be used alone or in combination to obtain robust results that can be exploited in a heritage or industrial context.
Request a quoteIn the field of archaeology, organic residues absorbed or embedded on ceramics, tools, or ritual objects offer valuable information about past uses:
Thanks to GC-MS analysis or FTIR, CIRAM helps archaeologists reconstruct the food, medicinal, or artisanal practices of ancient civilizations.
In the art market, identifying binders or varnishes (natural resins, drying oils, waxes, animal glues) makes it possible to authenticate works and date their creation. Certain chemical signatures are indeed characteristic of specific periods, geographical areas, or workshops.
Raman or FTIR spectra make it possible to identify these components, and their study compared to historical reference databases refines the analysis.
For industry, and particularly in the packagingsectors, textiles, or polymers, elemental and isotopic analysis (EA-IRMS) allows for:
When you call on CIRAM for your organic analyses, you benefit from recognized expertise, scientific rigor and cutting-edge analytical technologies.
CIRAM relies on :
CIRAM supports museum institutions, archaeologists, auction houses, art restorers, and industrialists in their projects in France and internationally.
Contact our teamsYes, FTIR or GC-MS analysis can identify the exact nature of the varnish, whether natural (dammar, mastic...) or synthetic.
Yes, chromatographic analysis identifies its composition (bee, carnauba, synthetic...) and can reveal its origin or use.
No. The methods are non-destructive or require only a micro-sample (<1 mg) depending on the case.
Yes, binders and varnishes are reliable indicators of any anachronisms or chemical signatures specific to a particular period.
The cost depends on the number of techniques used, the type of object, the nature of the sample and the degree of interpretation required. Contact us for a personalized quote.
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