Effects of UV light on traditional Chinese pigments: a study of Malachite and Azurite in silk paintings

Junhan Wang; Qiancheng Yu

doi:10.1117/12.3048766

5 December 2024 Effects of UV light on traditional Chinese pigments: a study of Malachite and Azurite in silk paintings

Junhan Wang, Qiancheng Yu

Proceedings Volume 13418, Fifteenth International Conference on Information Optics and Photonics (CIOP 2024); 134183S (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3048766
Event: 15th International Conference on Information Optics and Photonics (CIOP2024), 2024, Xi’an, China

Abstract

This study explores the impact of UV light exposure on traditional Chinese pigments, particularly Malachite and Azurite, used in silk paintings. The objective is to analyze changes in transmittance spectra, color stability, and elemental composition over time to inform conservation practices. The methodology includes FTIR spectroscopy for initial pigment screening, UV aging with periodic spectral measurements, color analysis using a spectrophotometer, and detailed examination through SEM and EDS analyses. During UV aging, pigments were exposed to continuous UV light for five days, with transmittance spectra monitored every 24 hours. Color changes were assessed by comparing LAB values before and after exposure. Results indicate significant variations in transmittance spectra, with Malachite showing more notable changes than Azurite. Despite this, Azurite exhibited a greater color shift, suggesting that compositional changes do not always correlate with visible color changes. SEM imaging revealed changes in the ratio of elements within the pigments, confirming the impact of UV exposure, while EDS analysis identified an increase in oxygen content, which indicates oxidative degradation. These findings underscore the need for controlled lighting conditions to preserve historical artworks and suggest that specific colored lighting in museums may help mitigate UV damage and maintain the visual integrity of these cultural artifacts.

(2024) Published by SPIE. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Citation Download Citation

Junhan Wang and Qiancheng Yu "Effects of UV light on traditional Chinese pigments: a study of Malachite and Azurite in silk paintings", Proc. SPIE 13418, Fifteenth International Conference on Information Optics and Photonics (CIOP 2024), 134183S (5 December 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3048766

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KEYWORDS

Pigments

Ultraviolet radiation

Color

Color difference

FT-IR spectroscopy

Transmittance

Spectroscopy

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