Pr LUDOVIC BELLOT-GURLET

The microstructure (metals, ceramics) or, even, nanostructure (glasses, polymers) of all materials results from their origin and/or technological history. Approaches developed through spectroscopies (Raman, infrared, X-rays) are based on sensitive probes which allow micro-analyses and non invasive investigations. Physico-chemistry should thus help the deciphering of ancient technologies and the providing of objective analysis (genuine-copy/restored-embellished discrimination or dating, weathering, diagnoses and procedures for restoration/conservation).

This will call for high performance laboratory devices, to large facilities (as synchrotron) and adapted portable instruments. Challenges offered by the chemistry of cultural heritage materials will benefit from instrument development, analytical and imaging procedures, and simulation of spectroscopic responses.