Fall 2023 - Chemical Analysis Class Projects

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  X-Ray Analysis of An Ancient Brick to Determine Its Origin

  Jenna E. Heinen and Joshua Sebree

  • This research is focused on studying an ancient brick of unknown origin which is housed in the University of Northern Iowa Museum
  • It is theorized to be from Egypt during the time of the Israelite’s enslavement
  • There are many disputes about the above claim; others believe it could be from Mesopotamia long after the time of Israelites lived in Egypt
  • A museum artifact, determining the history and origin of this brick to a better understanding of its meaning and significance for historians and museum goers alike.

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  UV-Vis Spectral Analysis of Mende Cultural Mask

  Kameron Kruger and Joshua Sebree

  • The UNI Museum possesses a mask that originated from the Mende people of Sierra Leone, and has since been used as an educational tool. While the rafia fibers at the base have been replaced, the wooden mask is original.
  • Under black light, the mask shows a complex fluorescence pattern that includes distinct regions of green, orange, and dark purple.
  • This work used UV Vis spectroscopy to analyze the mask and potentially identify functional groups associated with compounds on the surface, such as oils and other wood preservatives. As many historical wood preservatives are known to damage their artifacts over time, investigating the surface of the mask is essential to the longevity of this important cultural artifact.
  • Emission spectroscopy measures the intensity of light that is emitted (fluoresced) from a sample upon excitation by a light source. A monochromator (wavelength selector) is used to measure emission intensity across a set wavelength range.
  • Reflectance spectroscopy studies the percentage of incoming light that gets reflected, rather than absorbed, from the surface of an object. This is communicated as percent reflectance, which ranges from 0% (no reflectance) to 100% (complete reflectance).

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  Analyzing Microstructural Variations in Ancient Bricks: A Comparative Study Using SEM Analysis

  Sabryn Labenz and Joshua Sebree

  • A brick was donated to the University of Northern Iowa that was believed to have originated from Mesopotamia. However, the museum suggests the possibility it originated from Egypt.
  • Brick structure can vary based on the raw materials used in their construction
  • The size of the sand particles used in bricks contribute to the brick’s structural integrity.
  • Bricks from Iran and England were analyzed for regional similarities to the unknown brick using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

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  Determination of the Presence of Gun Powder Residue on Civil War Era Pulaski Musket with XRF

  Katelynn Mostek and Joshua Sebree

  The goal of this project is to determine if the Civil War era Pulaski Musket owned by the UNI museum has been fired before. To do this, the presence of gun powder residue on the Pulaski Musket was compared to other gun from the museum's collection via X Ray Fluorescence. Sulfur and lead components that typically make up gun powder residue were analyzed.

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  Examining the Metals Present in a Confederate Contact Musket Using XRF

  Lydia E. Richardson, Joshua Sebree, and Colin Weeks

  • Pulaski musket was made during Civil War in Pulaski, Tennessee
  • Believed the Pulaski is compiled together using old rifles and muskets

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  Determination of oils in African Mende helmet mask Raffia fiber using gas chromatography

  Megan M. Unger and Joshua Sebree

  • African Mende helmet mask that is traditionally work during coming-of-age ceremonies.
  • It is made from wood and finished in a black color made from vegetable dye.
  • The raffia fibers come from a plant known as ‘raffia bamboo’.
  • The African Mende helmet mask given to the UNI Museum was originally used in a classroom and is believed that it was not well preserved.
  • The teacher reportedly used vegetable oil on the wooden part of the mask to keep the original look.
  • unknown whether there have been more oils used on the mask.