CIRAM supports carries out the analysis of organic materials present in works of art, archaeological artifacts, and industrial materials: varnishes, residues, waxes, binders.
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The analysis of organic materials aims to identify, by chemical or isotopic means, substances of natural or synthetic origin present in a heritage object or an industrial material. This characterization technique primarily targets:
In the art market, it can be used to assess the historical and technological coherence of an object, or to authenticate a work of art. In archaeology, it provides functional information on past uses (containers, rituals, techniques). In an industrial context, it provides guarantees on the composition, origin or conformity of a material.
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CIRAM supports uses several complementary methods, selected according to the nature of the samples and the objectives of the study:
These methods can be used alone or in combination to obtain robust results that can be exploited in a heritage or industrial context.
Request a quoteIn the field of archaeologydating, organic residues absorbed or embedded on ceramics, tools, or ritual objects offer valuable information about past uses:
Using GC-MS or FTIRanalysis, CIRAM helps archaeologists to reconstruct the food, medicinal and craft practices of ancient civilizations.
In the art marketthe identification of binders or varnishes (natural resins, drying oils, waxes, animal glues) makes it possible to authenticate works of artand date their creation. Certain chemical signatures are characteristic of specific periods, geographical areas or workshops.
From Raman or FTIR spectra allow these components to be identified, and their study compared to historical reference databases refines the analysis.
To industryparticularly in the packagingtextile and polymer sectors, elemental and isotopic analysis (EA-IRMS) can be used to :
When you call on CIRAM for your organic analyses, you benefit from recognized expertise, scientific rigor and cutting-edge analytical technologies.
CIRAM relies on :
supports museum institutions, archaeologists, auction houses, art restorers or manufacturers in their projects in France and abroad.
Contact our teamsYes, FTIR or GC-MS analysis can identify the exact nature of the varnish, whether natural (dammar, mastic...) or synthetic.
Yes, chromatographic analysis identifies its composition (bee, carnauba, synthetic...) and can reveal its origin or use.
No. The methods are non-destructive or require only a micro-sample (<1 mg) depending on the case.
Yes, binders and varnishes are reliable indicators of any anachronisms or chemical signatures specific to a particular period.
The cost depends on the number of techniques used, the type of object, the nature of the sample and the degree of interpretation required. Contact us for a personalized quote.
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