ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Data Journal

Determining crystalline phases formed by iron and sulphur in wood samples from ancient waterlogged shipwrecks through neutron diffraction

Abstract: This proposal focuses on the treatment of degraded wood from ancient waterlogged shipwrecks, damaged by the formation of acid precursors such as pyrite due to anaerobic bacterial activity. These compounds can oxidize, producing sulfuric acid, which further degrades the wood. To counteract this, we are exploring the use of Calcium Hydroxide Nanoparticles (CH-NPs) for their deacidifying and stabilizing properties, aiming to neutralize acidic conditions and prevent further damage. The main objective is to assess the distribution and quantity of iron and sulfur compounds within the wood, which is essential for optimizing the treatment. Neutron diffraction, a non-destructive technique, plays a key role in this study. It allows the identification and quantification of crystalline phases such as pyrite, greigite, and marcasite, providing information about their depth and extent. This technique enables internal structural analysis without altering the samples. We will perform measurements on three wood samples, both before and after artificial acidification, to monitor changes in sulfur-containing phases and their transformation into sulfuric acid. This will help us trace the penetration of acidic precursors and determine the optimal depth for nanoparticle treatment. Understanding the distribution of these compounds will enhance the effectiveness of the treatment, ensuring the long-term preservation of the artefacts.

Principal Investigator: Mr Matteo Vercelli
Experimenter: Professor Francesco Spinozzi
Experimenter: Dr Claudia Mondelli
Local Contact: Dr Antonella Scherillo

DOI: 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2510412

ISIS Experiment Number: RB2510412

Publisher: STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source

Data format: RAW/Nexus
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Data Citation

The recommended format for citing this dataset in a research publication is as:
[author], [date], [title], [publisher], [doi]

For Example:
Mr Matteo Vercelli et al; (2025): Determining crystalline phases formed by iron and sulphur in wood samples from ancient waterlogged shipwrecks through neutron diffraction, STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, https://doi.org/10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2510412

Data is released under the CC-BY-4.0 license.