FTIR and FT-Raman spectroscopic studies of fired clay artifacts recently excavated in Tamilnadu, India

Abstract

501-508The spectroscopic techniques represent one of the most powerful tools to investigate the structure of all the materials and chemical composition of the cultural objects like potteries, tiles and ceramics. The spectroscopic techniques that have been used in the present study are FTIR absorption and Raman scattering spectroscopy. The potteries maintain aesthetic characteristics so that this type of artifacts can be considered very specific trace of every civilization. Therefore, it is of great importance to acquire knowledge about the chemical composition and the manufacturing techniques of an artifact. From the behaviour of the absorption bands and their corresponding Raman shifts in specific regions and their intensity showing the presence of minerals, traces of elements in the clay, the knowledge of the artisans and the conditions of the temperature control to make qualitatively good materials of archaeological artifacts. The temperature of firing and the vitrification stage are also being established in the case of potteries from the recent excavations at Maligaimedu, Thiruverkadu and Palur in Tamilnadu, India