Since 2005, CIRAM has been supporting its partners in the scientific analysis of materials through three areas of expertise: dating, characterization, and scientific imaging.
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The CIRAM laboratories specialize in the analysis and dating of materials.
Carbon-14 dating, an essential analysis for dating your objects
Radiocarbon dating (C14) is the reference method for dating organic matter. It makes it possible to estimate the age of an organism by measuring the residual concentration of carbon 14.
CIRAM uses this expertise to authenticate works of art, date archaeological artifacts and quantify the biobased proportion of industrial products (biofuels, cosmetics, paints, CSR, etc.).
Thermoluminescence dating for ceramics, porcelain and earthenware
For heated minerals, such as terracotta or porcelain, it is possible to determine the age of the last firing with thermoluminescence (TL/OSL) analysis.
The older an object is, the higher the light energy emitted during analysis, thus offering reliable dating for works of art and archaeological artifacts.
Read moreCIRAM uses advanced methods to analyze the composition and origin of materials.
Thanks to technologies like scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX), ICP-MS, and XRD, microanalysis makes it possible to identify the structure and chemical composition of a material.
Stone, glass, or even pigments, it is applied to a wide variety of archaeological and art objects. It also finds applications inindustrial settings, particularly forquality control.
Metallography analyzes metals such as bronze, gold, or silver to determine their composition, degree of corrosion, and the origin of alterations.
Combined with techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or thermoluminescence dating, it allows for the estimation of an object's manufacturing period.
CIRAM also offers analysis methods, including infrared spectrometry (FTIR), Raman spectrometry, and AES (atomic emission spectroscopy).
These techniques provide valuable information regarding the dating or characterization of ancient materials. They are often used in conjunction with other analyses to enrich the scientific expertise of the object.
For the study of wooden objects or charcoal from archaeological contexts, CIRAM mobilizes two complementary disciplines: xylology (study of woods) and anthracology (study of charcoal). These approaches allow:
Isotopic analysis (carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, strontium) is a cutting-edge method for reconstructing biological, geographical, or industrial trajectories.
In archaeology, it is used to study the diets, movements, or geographic origins of ancient populations. In an industrial context, it allows for the detection of adulterations and verification of product authenticity.
CIRAM uses a combination of optical techniques (visible light, raking light, infrared reflectography, UV fluorescence) and radiographic techniques (X-ray radiography, CT scan) to offer an in-depth, non-invasive reading of artworks, particularly paintings, but also complex archaeological objects such as ancient mortars.
These examinations reveal elements invisible to the naked eye: preparatory drawings, pentimenti, repaints, alterations, internal structures, or hidden signatures. They offer a detailed understanding of the creative process, the material history of the object, and its state of conservation.
The X-ray radiography, which can be performed in situ with portable equipment, allows for rapid and targeted analysis, while the CT scan in the laboratory offers a complete 3D modeling for complex objects, such as cremation urns.
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Thanks to a network of subsidiaries, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships in Europe, the United States, and Asia, we support our clients in the performance of advanced analyses and rigorous sampling, regardless of their location.
Ourhighly qualified scientific teams follow strict analytical protocols, in compliance with the most demandinginternational standards, to guarantee results of impeccable accuracy and reliability.
Whether you are a professional in the art market, a researcher in archaeology, or a player in biobased industry, CIRAM offers you recognized expertise and analytical solutions tailored to your challenges.
Request a studyCIRAM works in a variety of fields, including art, archaeology and the biobased products industry. We work with public institutions, private companies and individuals.
Our experts will help you choose the analytical techniques best suited to your specific needs. For any other questions or requests for specific studies, please contact our teams.
Time depends on the technique used and the type of object. A detailed quote will be provided with an estimated timeframe.
Click on "Contact our teams" for a quick response to your needs.
The CIRAM has dated two fossil woods whose exceptional preservation is explained in particular by their burial in a humid, oxygen-poor environment.
Find out what biobased products are, what their advantages are, and how manufacturers are integrating them to transform their practices.
The scientific analysis of a painting combines several methods to study its support, materials, manufacturing technique, state of conservation, and authenticity.
Discover the differences between scientific dating methods: Carbon 14, thermoluminescence (TL), and OSL.
What is the principle of C14 dating, its applications in art, archaeology, and also in the field of industrial analyses.
Find out when the carbon-14 method becomes ineffective and which alternatives to choose depending on the materials being analyzed.
