Understanding glass deterioration in museum collections: a multi-disciplinary approach

Abstract

Raman spectroscopy and secondary ion mass spectrometry were used to investigate chemical and structural changes in soda and soda-lime glass exposed to organic pollutants under ambient and accelerated ageing conditions. Raman spectroscopy reveals modification of the glass structure non-destructively, in situ, and as a function of depth. The pollutants caused growth of crystalline salts and structural changes in the glass surface, with formic and acetic acid more corrosive than formaldehyde