A new method based on hard x-ray diffraction for the investigation of archaeological artefacts

In order to characterize the microstructure of crystalline and polycrystalline thick materials, the Bragg diffraction pattern associated with the diffracted energy analysis allows texture determination, strain analysis, crystalline phase identification and grain size evaluation. This work describes an innovative application of a hard x-ray diffractometer, employed for the first time to obtain, in a non-destructive way, interesting microstructural information related to the production processes of archaeological finds. Two ancient bronze artefacts of different historical periods were selected to demonstrate an application of the method, which could be implemented at a museum. In fact drastically different structural characteristics were observed.