Comprehensive Evaluation of the Properties of Ferrous Ink on the Material of Replicated Samples

Abstract

This article continues a series of publications devoted to the preparation and investigation of replicated samples of historical ink started in 2018. The results of replication of a series of 16 samples designed to simulate the practice of using an “ink nest,” widespread in ancient Russian written culture, are presented. The series include samples with different sources of tannin (gallnuts and alder bark) and different formulations of extracts (based on water and fermented honey). The obtained liquid ink replicas are used to prepare samples on a dacron film and model samples of strokes on linen-rag paper. The acidity level, elemental composition, water resistance, and dynamics of changes in the properties under external impacts are analyzed for the replicated samples. The performed investigation reveals significant differences between the groups of samples with different sources of tannin and extract bases. For example, the inks prepared based on sour honey are less resistant to water under extreme conditions. Differences in the acidity level of the samples are related to the source of tannin: the presence of an infusion of gallnuts results in a lower pH. The source of tannin also significantly affects the nature of changes in the spectral characteristics of the samples during aging: the shapes of the spectra of aged samples (except for samples of pure extracts) based on the infusion of gallnuts and the decoction of bark differ significantly.