Py-GC-MS of the synthetic polymers used in past restorations on Giotto's mural paintings at the Scrovegni Chapel (Padova)

Pyrolysis coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (Py/GC/MS) is a useful technique for the rapid characterisation of synthetic polymers. Many papers have been published about the application of this technique to industrial plastics and gums, but little attention has been focused on the characterisation of such group of synthetic compounds used in the artistic field. In this work pyrolysis is applied to the characterisation of consolidants and protectives used in the past restoration operations on Giotto's frescoes at the Scrovegni Chapel, Padova.