CIRAM analyzes organic materials present in works of art, archaeological artifacts and industrial materials: varnishes, residues, waxes, binders.
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The aim of organic materials analysis is to identify, by chemical or isotopic means, the substances of natural or synthetic origin present in a heritage object or industrial material. This characterization technique mainly targets :
In the art market, it can be used to assess the historical and technological coherence of an object, or to authenticate a work of art. In archaeology, it provides functional information on past uses (containers, rituals, techniques). In an industrial context, it provides guarantees on the composition, origin or conformity of a material.
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CIRAM uses several complementary methods, selected according to the nature of the samples and the objectives of the study:
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 archaeologyorganic residues absorbed or encrusted on ceramics, tools or ritual objects provide valuable information on past uses:
Using GC-MS or FTIR analysis, CIRAM helps archaeologists to reconstruct the food, medicinal and craft practices of ancient civilizations.
In the art marketthe identification of binders or varnishes (natural resins, drying oils, waxes, animal glues) makes it possible to authenticate works of art and date their creation. Certain chemical signatures are characteristic of specific periods, geographical areas or workshops.
Raman or FTIR spectra can be used to identify these components, and their comparison with historical reference databases refines the analysis.
For industryparticularly in the packagingtextile and polymer sectors, elemental and isotopic analysis (EA-IRMS) can be used to :
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 manufacturers in their projects in France and abroad.
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.
Non. Les méthodes sont non-destructives ou requièrent seulement un micro-prélèvement (<1 mg) selon les cas.
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.
CIRAM has dated two fossilized pieces of wood, whose exceptional state of preservation is due in part to the fact that they were buried in a humid, oxygen-poor environment.
An indispensable dating method, carbon-14, or radiocarbon, is used to date archaeological artifacts, authenticate works of art, or measure bio-based content.
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How can you authenticate a work of art or an archaeological relic with scientific rigor? Carbon-14 dating offers a reliable and precise method for analyzing organic materials...
