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The Scythian necropolis of Sâncrai (Alba County) was investigated in 2016, which led to the discovery of 95 burials (inhumation and cremation). The study of the tombs revealed a rich funerary inventory, composed mainly of ceramic vessels of different shapes and sizes; weapons such as akinakes daggers, spearheads, and arrowheads; ornaments including amber beads, kauri shells, kaolin, earrings, loop rings, saltaleoni type bracelets, and clothing appliqués; and harness elements, including horsehair and quiver appliqués. The purpose of this paper is to describe the archaeometric analyses of metal pieces recovered from this site. A combination of non-invasive/micro-destructive analytical techniques (optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectrometry, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), and statistical methods (cluster analysis, using SPSS Statistics) was used to obtain comprehensive information about the studied metal artefacts. In this respect, 16 metallic samples were investigated to establish the samples' defects as well as their elemental and molecular composition. Overall, the analytical and statistical analyses show us that the metallic samples can be split into three groups based on composition: iron, copper-tin/bronze, and gold-silver. In these groups, samples present a strong correlation, suggesting that they were created using similar minerals.

The present paper is focused on the microclimatic investigation and weather-climatic phenomena matrix assessment, which can be generated for heritage objectives at different spatial and temporal resolutions, correlated with physicochemical analysis of the particulate matter (PM2.5-10). In the literature the importance of atmospheric PM monitoring in the proximity of monuments is not yet sufficiently highlighted. In this respect, the microclimatic investigation of the Tropaeum Traiani Monument (Adamclisi, Romania) was performed to assess the suitability of a closed environment, located outdoors, according to the conservation requirements of heritage materials. The monitoring campaigns (four seasons, e.g., from summer of the year 2018 to spring of the year 2019) were carried out by non-invasive measuring equipment. The collected data were used to investigate the hygrothermal and chemical behavior inside and outside of Tropaeum Traiani Monument, built in 109, to assess the risks on the oldest structural material. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed by IBM SPSS Statistics software to assess the similarities between the microclimatic parameters.

Macro-heterocyclic compounds, such as porphyrins and phthalocyanines, are being studied extensively for their important physical and chemical properties. Their ability to absorb light throughout the spectrum and self-organization being adequate for the realization of several applications. Investigations of the spectral properties of the supramolecular assembly RhTMPyP/ ZnTSPc- 5,10,15,20 rhodium tetramethyl-pyridyl porphyrin / 2,9,16,23 zinc tetrasulfonated-phthalocyanine are registered by UV-Vis, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopic techniques.

This work attempts to show the usefulness of vibrational spectroscopy (i.e., FTIR and Raman) in the analysis of major components of the original structure materials of a heritage monument (Tropaeum Traiani, Adamclisi). The features of materials and indoor microclimatic variables (i.e., temperature and relative humidity), on the periods of the monitoring campaigns, were considered. As the conservation must make sure about the physicochemical and structural aspects of the materials, assessment of the environmental impact, deterioration processes and characterization of ancient building materials are useful to understand the chemical evolution in the past, predict the various trends in the future, choose the suitable restoration methods to preserve their present state, and even to describe the alteration process of materials and modification through time. The surface of original structure materials used until present seems not to be affected at major scale by the indoor microclimate variables. But even high recorded relative humidity levels promote the occurrence of amorphous calcium carbonate, calcite, aragonite and vaterite highlighted by vibrational spectroscopy data (i.e., FTIR and Raman), as a first effect, the development of biological organism can be enhanced, depending on the characteristics of the substrate. Second, atmospheric pollutants can be dissolved easier in the humidity existing in the porous material, and lastly, if the waterflow inside the stone is not homogeneous, cracks could appear due to differences in permeability.

The heavy metal concentration in plant tissues of Ranunculus ficaria, Plantago major, Taraxacum officinale, and Achillea millefolium, frequently consumed or used in traditional medicine, collected from one of radioactive area of Romania, not been previously reported by any research group. The content of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb were determined by ICP-MS. To evaluate the level of pollution, the plants are examined to determine the EDI, HRI and TTHQ values, to reach a judgment about whether their consumption is risky or not in terms of human health. The high amounts of Cd, Mn and Pb, in tissues of Taraxacum officinale and Plantago major, lead to the fact that the ecosystem in which these species are growing should be evaluated by the authorities in terms of environmental pollution. DIM and HRI data showed that A. millefiori and R. ficaria can be safely used by locals, while T. officinale and P. major are thought to pose a risk in terms of heavy metals. Accumulation of metals by both roots and leaves in T. officinale and P. major was proportional to the metal concentration in the tailings dumps, while Cr, Mn, Cd, and Pb content exceeded the maximum permissible daily levels.

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) generated in large amounts due to the development of IT and telecommunication industry is considered an important concern for environmental protection. The complex polymer composition of WEEE can be determined in order to consider a proper recycling process for polymeric materials. The aim of the study was to identify the constituent polymers by: density, burning test, solubility, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), thermo-gravimetric analysis (ATG). The research led to a majority of polystyrenic polymers, together with polyesters, polycarbonates and polyamides.

In recent years, natural plants experience a growing interest in many fields (e.g., cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food), and represent an important source of bioactive molecules. The aim ...

This study aims to investigate the chemical composition of nineteen painted pottery fragments belonging to the Eneolithic Petresti culture in order to identify the relationship between the ceramic ...

The Casino building from Constanta is the most important and characteristic public building [...]

The color characteristics, vibration spectra, phase and mineral composition, internal structural organization of several fragments of the ancient Roman mosaics from the Roman Mosaic Museum, Constanta, Romania were studied by non-destructive (Chromatic analysis, Neutron Diffraction, Neutron Tomography) and micro-invasive techniques (Optical Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy&ndash, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, Wavelength Dispersion X-ray Fluorescence). These investigations were performed in order to characterize the original Roman mosaic fragments. The major and minor phase components of the studied mosaic fragments were determined, the crystal structure of the main phases was analyzed, and their three-dimension spatial arrangement was reconstructed. The similar composition of the major phases of all mosaic fragments can indicate a generic recipe for making mosaic elements, but minor phases were presumably added for coloring of mosaic pieces. Some degradation areas inside the volume of the mosaic fragments were found by means of neutron diffraction and neutron tomography methods. These degradation areas are probably related to the formation of iron hydroxides during chemical interactions of mosaic fragments with the sea and urban polluted atmosphere.

Over centuries, the external factors such as fire, low temperature, light or microbiological agents, act on the wood and induce some degradation processes, sometimes irreversible, identified by discoloration, fragility and unsightly appearance. Although there are numerous literature reports about different nanomaterials used for preservation and restoration of wood surfaces (calcium hydroxides, magnesium hydroxides, hydroxyapatite, or even organic resins as Paraloid B72), in this paper it is proposed a new system—gold hydroxyapatite (AuHAp), tested on the hazelnut wood samples (young and aged specimens), as a new solution for preservation of some wooden artifacts. This paper addresses a broad range of analytical methods: X-ray diffraction, UV–Vis spectrophotometry, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, chromatic parameters and hardness test. Also, humidity sorption/desorption measurements are used for humidity sorption and desorption evaluation. The adsorption and desorption tests determined the hydroscopic sorption properties of the wood specimens by measuring the mass of the specimens in equilibrium with air at a specific temperature and RH. All the results concluded that after the application of the new system on the hazelnut wood surface, a well distributed and uniform layer consisting from AuHAp systems with a network aspect are observed, which covers the wood vessels and fibers, filling the voids and stopping the wood weathering process, more accentuated at aged wood than at the young species.

In this paper, the presence of calcium oxalate on calcareous stone, is studied. The patina consists mainly of calcium oxalate which exists in three forms: monohydrated whewellite (small, smooth, globular yellow-green to brown crystals radial fibrous) (COM), dehydrated weddelite (small crystals, and spherical clusters of plaques consisting of brown or yellow platelets, which are sharp) (COD) and trihydrate caoxite (rarely observed, as mono or dihydrated precursor forms)(COT). Scanning electron microscope with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman Spectroscopy are used for characterization. The oxalate films were found to form a thin compact non-porous shell and penetrate deeply in an intergranular position or along microfractures, with effects on longer stability.

The lavender flowers and their essential oil are widely used in therapy in Romania and the European Community. Since the European Pharmacopoeia only allows the use of Lavandula sp flowers for medic...

Verteporfirin is the active substance of the medicine Visudyne (the basic form porphyrin of the medicine) approved and in use for ophthalmic diseases and tumor types. Because the informations from literature about degraded of this porphyrins are greatly reduced, we propose in this paper to separate the different degraded forms of this porphyrin by using polysulfone membrane polymer type. In this paper are presented some analytical results of verteporfirin before and after passing degraded form of the porphyrins over these membranes.

Recently, numerous studies have been carried out on various. [...]

Carbonated hydroxyapatite derivatives (CHAp) and its metallic derivatives (Ag, Sr, Ba, K, Zn) have been prepared and characterized in this paper and their coating capacity on some model stone samples have been evaluated and discussed. These compounds were characterized by using several analytical tools, including X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), to determine the purity of the CHAp sample. The XRD and FTIR results confirmed the presence of AB-carbonated type CHAp. The thermal analysis (TGA) established two stages of weight loss that occured during the heating process: The first weight loss between 30&ndash, 225 &deg, C corresponding to the partial carbonate release from OH-channel and the second one between 226&ndash, 700 &deg, C, corresponding to some thermal reactions, possibly to the generation of calcium phosphate. The efficiency and suitability of these products on model stone samples were evaluated by monitoring the resistance to artificial weather (freeze&ndash, thaw), and pore structure changes (surface area, pore volume, pore diameter). Meanwhile, optical microscopy (OM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM&ndash, EDS) techniques showed the particles size and surface morphology of the samples, as well as information on its chemical composition. Also, the compressive strength of these new compounds as coatings revealed a homogeneity and strengthen of these model stone samples.

Nowadays, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the traditional construction technology used in many of some important monuments in Romania. To address this limitation and to assist in their conservation and restoration, this study documents the existing condition of different historic structures. Methods and applications for 3D scanning, image scanning and no-contact and non-destructive methods are applied in this paper for structural analysis of the stuccoes from a patrimony building (Fântaneanu House, Slatina). To record and document the condition of this house, the laser scanning is used in order to identify the initial size and shape of some damaged parts of the monument. Advancement in diagnosis methods (spectral and microscopic analytical methods) for the conservation/restoration of this patrimony building.

The development of new composition for surface conservation of some architectural monuments represents now an important research topic. The Basarabi–Murfatlar Ensemble, recognized as the first religious monument from mediaeval Dobrogea (Romania) (from 9th to 11th century), is one of the most impressive archaeological sites of Europe. This ensemble is built from amorphous calcium carbonate, very sensitive to humidity, frost, salts, etc. The aim of this paper is to test on chalk stone samples a new consolidant – hydroxyapatite (HAp) mixed with calcium oxalate trihydrate (caoxite) (COT). Some specific techniques for evaluation its impact on chalk stone surface are used, as follows: petrographical and physical–chemical techniques: SEM, OM, ICP-AES, TGA, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, chromatic parameters changes, the accelerated weathering tests: heating, freeze–thaw, and their effects on porosity and capillary water uptake by the chalk surface. All these have been evaluated before and after treatment with COT-HAp, putting into evidence the effect of the new composition on the chalk stone surface. HAp induces COT stabilization, and their joint composition can bind weathered stone blocks providing a substantial reinforcement of chalk surface.

This work aims to determine the concentrations of several elements (e.g. Pb, Ni, Zn, Mn, Cr, and Fe) from lake sediments, in order to characterize their origin and evolution. Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) technique using the 3 MV Tandetron™ particle accelerator from National Institute for R&D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering “Horia Hulubei” (IFIN-HH), Magurele-Bucharest, Romania, was applied. Sediment cores from different salt lakes from Romania (i.e. Amara Lake, Caineni Lake, and Movila Miresii Lake) were collected, in August 2015. The content of Pb, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Ni from sediment samples show similarities with other data presented in literature and international regulation. The Zn was the only element with a higher content in all samples (e.g. maximum 401.7–517.3 mg/kg d.w.).

AISI 316 steel has good corrosion behavior and high-temperature stability, but often prolonged exposure to temperatures close to 700 &deg, C in aggressive environments (e.g., in boilers and furnaces, in nuclear installations) can cause problems that lead to accelerated corrosion degradation of steel components. A known solution is to prepare alumina ceramic coatings on the surface of stainless steel. The aim of this study is to obtain aluminum oxide ceramic coatings on 316L austenitic steel, by Plasma Electrolysis Oxidation (PEO), using a pulsed unipolar power supply. The structures obtained by PEO under various experimental conditions were characterized by XPS, SEM, XRD, and EDS analyses. The feasibility was proved of employing PEO in NaAlO2 aqueous solution using a pulsed unipolar power supply for ceramic&ndash, like aluminum oxide films preparation, with thicknesses in the range of 20&ndash, 50 &mu, m, and a high content of Al2O3 on the surface of austenitic stainless steels.

This study aims to investigate the dose rate and pollution level of Ciudanovita, Lisava, Anina, and Moldova Noua mining tailing dumps. In order to accomplish this, soil samples were collected according to LUCAS 2009/2012, in the summer of 2017. To start with, these samples were measured in situ for dose rate and revealed some interesting aspects, following this, they were investigated in the laboratory using different physico-chemical methods for more complex data. Therefore, two techniques have been used for structural investigation that revealed some particularities in terms of morphology, color and shape (optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy) and, two for chemical composition (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry), which provided the qualitative confirmation of chemical groups involved in soil composition along with the heavy and radioactive metals presence (i.e. Pb, U, Cu, Cr, Cd, Ni, Zn, and Mn), expressed also by contamination factor.

Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) is known as a very sensitive device used for determination of mass quantity adsorbed on sensor surface. Its detection limits are in the range of ng cm $$^{-2}$$ . The adsorption mechanism of metallic nanoparticles on QCM sensor was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). This study aims to highlight the importance of QCM applications in nanoparticles deposition field. The layers formed through adsorption process, induced by the oscillations of the QCM sensor, were investigated by AFM for surface topography and for particle mean size values. The morphology of layers and nanoparticles dimensions were determined by SEM. For a more complex investigation of the nanoparticles adsorption mechanism, the chemical composition of layers was achieved using SEM coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM-EDS). This preliminary research involved a new approach in characterization of metallic nanoparticles layers to achieve functional assembled monolayers.

Historical monuments suffer different forms of degradation, due to some improper works on architecture structure, vibrations caused by blasting, traffic, the inadequate restoration, the phenomenon of freeze-thaw, air pollution, humidity and temperature variations, friable mortar, deposits adhering impurities (dust, smoke, tar), soluble efflorescence, poorly soluble or insoluble salts (nitrate, sulfate, chloride, carbonate), and the action of microorganisms. Nowadays, the nanomaterials represent an alternative in architecture conservation, mainly due to their improved mechanical properties, their compatibility as consolidating materials, and because they obey the principle of authenticity of historical monuments. In this paper, hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAp) are applied to the chalk samples prelevated from Basarabi monument. Some physico-chemical and mechanical properties have been evaluated and discussed for untreated chalk stone and for the treated one with HAp.

Knowledge of the chemical composition of the building materials of the monuments may help us to preserve and protect them from the pollution of our cities. The aim of this work is to characterize the materials of the walls from ancient buildings, the decay products that could be appear due to the action of pollution and a new method based on nanomaterials (hydroxyapatite -HAp) for a conservative preservation of the treated walls. Some analytical techniques have been used, as follow: X-ray fluorescence energy dispersive (EDXRF) (for the relative abundance of major, minor and trace elements), FTIR and Raman spectroscopy (for stratigraphic study of cross-sections of multi-layered materials found in wall paintings), Optical microscopy (OM), (for morphology of the wall samples). The nanomaterial suspension HAp applied on the sample surface by spraying, decreased the capillary water uptake, do not modify significantly the color of the samples and induced a reduced mass loss for the treated samples.

The archaeometric study of some samples from New gate Tower from Corvins’ Castle are analyzed in this paper in order to identify the raw materials nature and weathering / deterioration processes of these artifacts. Modern analytical techniques, as XRD, FTIR, Raman, SEM-EDS, colorimetry, porosimetry, thermal analysis are used to evaluate the structure and chemical composition (quartz, mica, dolomite, feldspar and plagioclase as albite and microcline minerals). Some minerals similar with apatites have been evidenced being responsible for the consolidated resistance structure inside of the towers.

More than 20 years later, a new research on heavy metals (cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper) contents in the soil cover of the Pantelimon – Brăneşti area located East of the Bucharest Municipality and exposed for several decades to the influence of industrial emissions from two non-ferrous metallurgy plants is presented. A 5,912.72 ha area was investigated, 544 samples taken by geometric horizons (0-20; 20-40; 40-60 cm) from 215 points have been analyzed.The dominant soils are: Preluvosols, Chernozems, Phaeozems. The analytical data showed that all the heavy metals contents are below the maximum allowable limits and of the alarm thresholds. Higher cadmium and copper concentrations have been registered in the 40-60 cm layer and higher chromium and copper concentrations in the 0-20 cm layer. Cadmium and cobalt distributions are non-central, with a right asymmetry, and the chromium and copper ones are slightly symmetric. The surface distribution of the heavy metals shows the presence of some high contents areas distributed insularly, with a higher frequency around the industrial units. The geochemical abundance indexes are higher than 1 for cadmium and lower for cobalt, chromium, and copper, and the pedo-geochemical abundance indexes are lower than 1 only for chromium.

The monument buildings as components of cultural heritage are exposed to degradation of surfaces and chemical and mechanical degradation, often associated to soiling and irreversible deterioration of the building. In many conservative and restorative works, a cement-based mortar was used without knowing all the adverse effects of this material on the building. This paper deals with the study of the effects of natural cement used in restorative works in the particular case of the Basarabi-Murfatlar Churches Ensemble. Cement-based materials exposed to sulfate present in the chalk stone - gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O), can induce signs of deterioration, due to ettringite ([Ca3Al (OH)612H2O]2(SO4)32H2O) or thaumasite (Ca3[Si(OH)612H2O](CO3)SO4) formation. These phases contribute to strain within the material, inducing expansion, strength loss, spalling and severe degradation. Several combined techniques (XRD, EDXRF, ICP-AES, SEM, EDS, sulphates content, FT-IR and Raman analysis were carried out to put into evidence the effects of them on the building walls.

Snake fruit (Salacca zalacca) is a palm tree species, which is found in Malaysia and Indonesia. This study was conducted to investigate and compare the composition, total phenolic, flavonoid, tanins and monoterpenoids contents in the core and shell fruits. Concentration values of extracts were obtained from standard curves obtained. Antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH method. For all methods it was used the UV-VIS Specord M40, using different wavelength. The infrared spectral analysis was carried out to caracterized the type of functional group existent in snake fruit parts (shell and core).

This study aims to investigatea possible link between the painted pottery from the Alba Iulia-Lumea Nou� settlement and the potential clay sources identified in the proximity of the archaeological site. Sixteen samples (clay and pottery) were collected and afterwards analyzed through two analytical techniques (attenuated total reflection - Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectrometry). The recorded data show similarities for both techniques and give preliminary information regarding the clay composition used for pottery manufacturing in middle Neolithic. Cluster analysis using Average Linkage method correlated the clay sources with the analyzed painted pottery.