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Abstract: Les Bossats, near Ormesson, France, is a newly discovered late Mousterian open air site dated to around 47,000years ago by thermoluminescence. The archaeological level, fossilized by loess, revealed a rich industry based on the discoid mode, associated with numerous fragments of red and yellow iron oxide-rich rocks showing clear traces of powder production (abrasion, striation, scraping), which are exceptional remains for this remote period. Archeological material and geological samples from the close environment were studied by PIXE and by petrographical observations made on thin sections. The geological sources were identified by means of PIXE analyses on two IBA facilities: AGLAE (2 MV tandem) at the C2RMF in Paris and the cyclotron of the IPNAS (University of Liège). We paid particular attention to the comparison of results obtained on both installations by using the same set of geological standards and by a fine evaluation of the limit of detection relative to each trace elements of interest for both experimental set ups. The elemental fingerprint of one geological source of iron-rich concretions corresponds clearly with the archaeological collection. At least, this investigation demonstrates that the colouring materials were minutely selected in the close neighbouring of the site by the Neanderthals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: At the instigation of the Musée du Louvre''s Department of Egyptian Antiquities, an intensive programme to study black bronze has been carried out at the Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France. Systematic research has been undertaken on the museum''s collection to identify objects that might have an intentional black patina. The same experimental protocol has been applied to all the objects, alllowing this study to be one of the most important coherent investigation on this type of bronze decoration. It involves the use of non-invasive analytical methods in order to obtain the maximum amount of information possible about the chemical nature and structure of the surface layer. The protocol makes it possible to compare objects and to propose an interpretation of how this decorative technique evolved during the Egyptian period. Based on previous stylistic investigations (by J. Cooney, 1966) and personal observation, sixteen objects dating from the Middle Kingdom to the Late Period were selected. Thanks to elemental analyses, twelve of them were identified as being intentionally patinated. Only ten of these could be described as hmty-km, because the base patinated alloy contains small amounts of gold and/or silver and the black patina is made up mainly of cuprous oxide Cu2O (cuprite). Among the four other objects, one patina is very close to the black bronze patina, but contains neither gold nor silver. Three other pieces have an unusual patina. A lack of other comparable examples makes it very difficult to determine whether the patinas are of ancient origin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The archaeometrical survey of the tomb of Menna (TT69), which took place in November–December 2007, is part of the extended research program that aims to study and preserve this tomb in all its aspects. Menna was a high official who served as an overseer of Cadastral surveys during the reigns of pharaohs Tuthmosis IV and Amenhotep III (ca. 1419–1370 bc). The research team aimed to gather information, in a totally non-destructive way, on the materials used and the painting techniques. The technical examinations included photography with normal and raking light, macrophotography, ultra-violet (UV) fluorescence photography, and microscopy. On selected points X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was combined with diffuse reflectance UV-spectrometry, near infrared (NIR) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The technical aspects as well as problems that are inherently associated with an interdisciplinary survey of this extent, are discussed. The project worked with a large team of people with different backgrounds and sensitive technical equipment. Working conditions were quite hostile, including elevated temperatures and dust hampering the examinations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mesoporous anatase thin films were prepared by the evaporation-induced self-assembly process. This paper reports a study of the influence of several physical parameters on the long-range ordering of the mesopores. A preliminary study was done to set the best humidity conditions during dip-coating and ageing of the films. The withdrawal speed, already known to modify the thickness of the deposited film, was shown to exert a strong influence on the percentage of porosity. This was studied by step profilometry combined with Rutherford backscattered spectrometry (RBS). In parallel, small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and RBS were used to tune the precise thermal treatment applied to the so-obtained films, in order to preserve the porous mesostructure and promote the nanocrystallization of anatase TiO2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Templated films are investigated alternatively to nanoparticles films. [•] Templating is expected to improve the pore accessibility to solid electrolyte. [•] Pore filling is characterized by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. [•] Templated films show solid electrolyte infiltration up to 88%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]