Thermoanalytical methods: a valuable tool for art and archaeology.

In this study, some results of previous studies concerning papyrus and paper, with special regard of artistic and archaeological materials, are reported and discussed. A historical introduction of such cellulose-based materials and of their use from the antiquity is presented first. The diagnostics and conservation aspects are discussed. The role of thermal analysis for a precise characterisation of these materials is illustrated. Complementary methods of investigation, such as optical microscopy, electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and various types of spectroscopy are also considered. In addition, alteration or restoration processes may be usefully monitored by means of reflectance spectrophotometric measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]