34651
Author
Alfrey, G.F.; James, K.
Title Of Article Chaper
The gamma-ray radiography of decorative plasterwork
Title Of Journal Book
Studies in conservation
Volume
31
Issue
2
Pages
70-76
Collation
7 figs., 6 refs.
Publisher
The International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works
Publisher City
London
ISSN
0039-3630
Language Of Text
English
Literature Type
Serial
Literature Level
Analytic
Abstract
The technique of gamma-ray radiography has been used to obtain shadowgraphs of the internal metal framework (armatures) of several plaster and stucco figures. Both the technical and practical aspects of radiography of plasterwork have been considered, and while the gamma-ray sources <sup>192</sup>Ir and <sup>60</sup>Co may be particularly suited to very thin or thick subjects, respectively, a <sup>137</sup>Cs source of about one Curie is the most generally useful, and is capable of producing acceptable radiographs with stucco thicknesses up to about 50 to 60g/cm<sup>2</sup>. Laboratory tests using a <sup>137</sup>Cs source showed that thickness sensitivities of 0.1cm of iron in 5.2g/cm<sup>2</sup> of plaster, and 0.2cm of iron in a 32. 5g/cm<sup>2</sup> thickness of plaster, were attainable. It has also been found that wooden armatures (density about 0. 7g/cm<sup>3</sup>) of diameter 1.4cm can be detected in plaster of thickness 15.6g/cm<sup>2</sup>. Fieldwork has confirmed the results attained in the laboratory for wood and iron armatures; in addition features, such as cracks and density inhomogeneities in joints within the plaster, have been imaged. -- AATA
pub_id
34651