2022-09-21 BB: Studying oil paint degradation using advanced electron microscopy
Channel: Archaeological Research Facility, UC Berkeley
Date: 2022-09-21

Studying oil paint degradation using advanced electron microscopy
September 21 
Speaker: Derek Popple, Department of Chemistry
Sponsor: Archaeological Research Facility
Abstract: Understanding the stability of artists' materials is essential to create long lasting compositions and to preserve existing artwork for future generations. Unfortunately, many early 20th century oil paintings are undergoing an irreversible degradation process as a result of the reaction between the pigments and binder in the oil paint. This leads to the formation of defects and even flaking of the paint from the underlying substrate. In order to better understand this process, we are utilizing the advanced electron microscopy instrumentation available at Berkeley Lab to better understand how the crystalline defects within the oil paint form and grow. In this talk, I will provide an introduction of this project and discussion of current progress, as well as a perspective on how the scientific study of artisanal materials can be further by institutional collaborations within the Bay Area.
About the Speaker: Derek Popple is a 6th year PhD student affiliated with the Department of Chemistry. Beyond his thesis work with the Zettl Group in Physics focused on nanomaterials and electron microscopy, Derek is interested in the intersection of the arts and science. In collaboration with Prof. Stephanie Zaleksi from CSU East Bay, they are using the advanced electron microscopy tools available at Berkeley Lab to study the nucleation and growth of metal soaps within oil paints.