The approximated identification of elemental composition of historic iron gall-inks is proposed based on results of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) measurements combined with a quick detection of iron (II) ions. Colorimetric response of test papers soaked with bathophenanthroline (BPhen) allows for detection of iron in the form of red-coloured complex of Fe(II) with BPhen. A co-migration of other elements (Cu, Zn, Pb, Al, K, Na, Mg) into indicators was confirmed by LA-ICP-MS measurements allowing for approximation of chemical diversity of handwritten documents in a totally non-invasive manner in respect to originals. The proposed analytical approach for in-direct studies of unique documents was tested on historic and model samples. The idea of approximation of elemental composition of the historic inks was found promising for purposes of conservation diagnosis towards estimation of corrosiveness of inks and eventual fingerprinting. It has been demonstrated that the presence of Fe as well as other elements (S, Cu and Mn) which are significant for recognition of ink corrosion can be detected in the used indicators extending the possibilities of examining valuable manuscripts in a way that is completely neutral for them.
Keywords: Approximation; Ink corrosion; Iron-gall inks; LA-ICP-MS.
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