ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Data Journal
This is a page describing data taken during an experiment at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source. Information about the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source can be found at https://www.isis.stfc.ac.uk.
Quantification of solvent invasion into varnished oil paintings through SANS for the conservation of cultural heritage
Abstract: The removal of aged varnish from paintings is a critical conservation process often performed with solvents applied by swabbing. However, solvent penetration into the underlying paint layer can cause irreversible alterations. This proposal aims to quantify solvent invasion in varnished oil and tempera paints using Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) combined with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) on SANS2D. Model paint systems composed of Lac dye and smalt pigments in linseed oil or egg yolk binders, coated with mastic varnish, will be treated with deuterated solvents to replicate cleaning conditions. SANS will provide quantitative information on solvent depth and nanoscale structural changes (swelling, porosity, inter-pigment spacing), while OCT will simultaneously monitor micron-scale swelling and layer thickness variations. The combined techniques will yield a complete picture of solvent invasion across multiple scales. This research builds on previous NR studies by A. Castel and recent molecular cleaning studies (NICAS) to move from thin-film varnish systems to realistic paint varnish assemblies. The results will provide conservators with reliable data on solvent paint interactions, informing safer cleaning protocols and advancing neutron-based methodologies for cultural heritage research.
Principal Investigator: Mrs Alessia Venturi
Experimenter: Dr Sammy Cheung
Experimenter: Ms Danique Grevink
Experimenter: Professor Lucas Goehring
Experimenter: Dr Antonella Scherillo
Local Contact: Dr Najet Mahmoudi
Experimenter: Professor Haida Liang
DOI: 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2500095
ISIS Experiment Number: RB2500095
| Part DOI | Instrument | Public release date | Download Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2500095-1 | SANS2D | 05 October 2029 | Download |
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:
Mrs Alessia Venturi et al; (2026): Quantification of solvent invasion into varnished oil paintings through SANS for the conservation of cultural heritage , STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, https://doi.org/10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2500095
Data is released under the CC-BY-4.0 license.
