ED-XRF analysis of the mediaeval copper-based door in Monte Sant’Angelo (Southern Italy)

Abstract

This work regards the analysis of a copper-based door (dated 1076 AD) located at the entrance to the sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo (Southern Italy) by using a non-destructive technique and in situ chemical analysis. The door does not show serious corrosive phenomena and presents several types of decorative elements such as two inlays (of silver and copper colour) and three engravings (of red, black and green colour). A portable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectrometer was used in order to evaluate the chemical composition of the door and of the decorations that adorn the artefact. No sampling or sample preparation was required before the measurements. Preliminary analysis on the materials that make up the door revealed that the panels and the frame of the two sashes are made of the same alloy, while the nails and the handles have a different composition. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]