Endangered glass objects identified by ion beam analysis

Art objects of glass are subjected to ageing processes even under air conditioning of museums. Glass surfaces are decomposed and sometimes their transparency is considerably reduced. This is the consequence of chemical processes which take place between the silicate network and the humidity of the ambient atmosphere. In particular, potassium-calcium-silica glasses are affected. Degradation takes place via ion exchange reactions where potassium and calcium are leached out and hydrogen-bearing species are incorporated into the silicate structure. Endangered glass objects of museums should be indicated by means of non-destructive composition analysis. Simultaneous use of the ion beam methods PIXE, PIGE and RBS at a non-vacuum facility proves ideal to determine both the corrosion state of the glass surface and the composition of the glass bulk. The results allow recommendations to museums regarding demands of special storage conditions. Art scientists may deduce details on the glass prove-nience or on special manufacturing technologies.