Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
The combination of Raman spectroscopy and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry can improve understanding of the chemistry of the glass alteration process. Formic and acetic acids play an important role in the alteration of museum glass objects placed in a humid atmosphere. Raman spectroscopy indicates that the soda-rich glass structure is modified differently when exposed to a humid versus a humid and polluted atmosphere at 60°C. Formic acid was not formed from soda-rich glass in the presence of carbon dioxide, high humidity and light.