Application of analytical pyrolysis for the characterisation of old inks

In the last years particular attention has been dedicated to the analysis of iron-gall inks for their effects on the degradation of paper. Mainly spectroscopic techniques devoted to the determination of iron have been studied, while a minor attention has been dedicated to the organic components.In this study we propose THM pyrolysis as a rapid tool for the characterisation of inks organic component. The method was applied on several standards and on original samples showing that it is suitable for the characterisation of iron gall and sepia inks. Moreover, information on the organic binder may also be achieved at the same time.