It was reported in previous research studies that some stringed instruments constructed by Stradivari have a hidden finish underneath the shiny varnish. By filling in and raveling the wood, this finish would influence the woods resonance and the sound thats produced. Knowing the elements of this movie might be crucial to reproducing the historical instruments in modern times. So, Lisa Vaccari, Marco Malagodi, and coworkers wanted to discover a technique that would figure out the composition of the layer in between the wood and varnish of 2 valuable violins– the San Lorenzo 1718 and the Toscano 1690.
A highly exact, nanometer-scale imaging method revealed a protein-based layer between the wood and the varnish coating of these two Stradivarius violins. Credit: Adapted from Analytical Chemistry 2022, DOI: 10.1021/ acs.analchem.2 c02965.
Stradivarius violins are highly prized collectors items. In an action toward unraveling the trick, scientists report on nanometer-scale imaging of 2 of Stradivaris violins, exposing a protein-based layer in between the wood and varnish.
In a step towards unwinding the secret, researchers report on nanometer-scale imaging of 2 of Stradivaris violins, revealing a protein-based layer in between the wood and varnish. By filling in and smoothing out the wood, this covering would affect the woods resonance and the sound thats produced. Lisa Vaccari, Marco Malagodi, and associates wanted to find a technique that would identify the structure of the layer between the wood and varnish of two valuable violins– the San Lorenzo 1718 and the Toscano 1690.
A Stradivarius is among the violins, violas, cellos and other string instruments crafted by members of the Italian family Stradivari, particularly Antonio Stradivari, during the 18th and 17th centuries. They are extremely treasured as incredibly important collectors items and frequently considered some of the finest instruments ever constructed.
Using synchrotron radiation Fourier-transform infrared spectromicroscopy, a method previously used on historic violins, the research group found that both samples had an intermediary layer. Nevertheless, this approach couldnt separate the layers structure from the adjacent wood.
Next, they relied on infrared scattering-type scanning near field microscopy (IR s-SNOM) to analyze the samples. The IR s-SNOM apparatus includes a microscope that gathers images tens of nanometers large and measures the infrared light spread from the finish layer and the wood to collect information about their chemical composition. The outcomes of the new approach revealed that the layer in between the wood and varnish of both instruments contained protein-based compounds, gathering in nano-sized spots.
Because IR s-SNOM offered an in-depth 3D picture of the kinds of compounds on the violins surface area, the scientists say that it could be utilized in future research studies to identify substances in complicated multi-layer cultural heritage samples.
Reference: “A Nanofocused Light on Stradivari Violins: Infrared s-SNOM Reveals New Clues Behind Craftsmanship Mastery” by Chiaramaria Stani, Claudia Invernizzi, Giovanni Birarda, Patrizia Davit, Lisa Vaccari, Marco Malagodi, Monica Gulmini and Giacomo Fiocco, 17 October 2022, Analytical Chemistry.DOI: 10.1021/ acs.analchem.2 c02965.
The authors acknowledge CERIC-ERIC and Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste for access to experimental centers and monetary assistance.
The outcomes of the brand-new technique revealed that the layer in between the wood and varnish of both instruments included protein-based substances, gathering in nano-sized spots.