X-Ray microtomographic imaging of charcoal

Bird, M.I., Ascough, P.L. , Young, I.M., Wood, C.V. and Scott, A.C. (2008) X-Ray microtomographic imaging of charcoal. Journal of Archaeological Science, 35(10), pp. 2698-2706. (doi: 10.1016/j.jas.2008.04.018)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2008.04.018

Abstract

We assess the potential of X-ray microtomography as a tool for the non-destructive, three-dimensional examination of the internal structure of charcoal. Microtomographic analysis of a series of charcoals produced by the experimental pyrolysis of pine wood at temperatures from 300 and 600 °C in nitrogen only and in nitrogen mixed with 2% oxygen indicates that, despite substantial shrinkage, observed porosity, pore size and pore connectivity are all increased by pyrolysis and also by chemical oxidation. Analysis of a number of altered and unaltered archaeological and geological charcoals has demonstrated the capacity of the technique to identify and map the distribution of authigenic mineral contamination within charcoal fragments. The results are of significance to radiocarbon dating in that they provide insights into the mechanisms by which charcoal can be contaminated by extraneous carbon in the natural environment.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:charcoal; radiocarbon; microtomography; geoarchaeology; Quaternary geochronology; biochar; black carbon
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Ascough, Dr Philippa
Authors: Bird, M.I., Ascough, P.L., Young, I.M., Wood, C.V., and Scott, A.C.
Subjects:C Auxiliary Sciences of History > CC Archaeology
Q Science > QD Chemistry
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
Journal Name:Journal of Archaeological Science
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0305-4403
ISSN (Online):1095-9238

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