All organic materials naturally emit volatile compounds (VOCs).
Objects as complex in composition as artworks can therefore be expected to produce a variety of emissions . Some of these compounds can be harmful for (other) artworks and for human health and thus need to be monitored. On the other hand, these emissions can be sampled non-invasively (using ‘headspace analysis*) and used to investigate the composition and ageing of artworks. This presentation looks at the identity and properties of VOCs emitted by various materials and objects and the possibility to use these non-invasively sampled emissions to investigate the composition and ageing of artworks.
*Headspace analysis is a way of analysing the gas in the space above the surface of an object
