Application of Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis to Investigate Archaeological Ceramics

Applicability of PGAA on pottery archaeometry has been proved in investigations of pre-Columbian figurines from Venezuela. PGAA is a non-destructive bulk analytical method, capable to determine concentration of majorand some trace components. We take part in the MÖB-DAAD project aimed to investigate Hungarian Neolithic pottery, and also in an IAEA CRP with more methodological objectives. Within the frame of the MÖB-DAAD project, we have analysed pottery fragments and soil samples with PGAA. The pieces have been previously excavated on Neolithic settlements of Szarvas-Endrőd and Tiszalúc region (South-East Hungary and North-East Hungary, respectively). Until now, 11 pottery fragments and 10 soil samples from Tiszalúc site; as well as 15 pottery fragments and 2 soil samples from Szarvas-Endrőd site have been measured. According to our previous experiences on ancient pottery, we are able to determine the major components (SiO2, TiO2 Al2O3, Fe2O3 MnO MgO CaO Na2O and K2O) of the bulk material. In most cases, also some accessoryand trace element concentrations, like B, Cl, Sc, V, Co, Cr, Nd, Sm, Eu and Gd can be determined. Most of the investigated objects have already been analysed with XRF and INAA too. According to our preliminary results, the agreement between the PGAA and XRF data for the common elements are good. Although XRF exhibit a better sensitivity for most components, PGAA provides the additional possibility to determine the concentration of B and H2O. The effect of firing on the composition of clay has been investigated, too. Two pairs of clay samples before and after firing at 700 oC were measured by PGAA. It has been shown that only the water content changes significantly during firing procedure, the rest remain unchanged. We took part in a Proficiency Test – organized by the IAEA – on Chinese porcelain reference sample that has resulted in the following outcome: Most of the identified components with PGAA agreed with the reported target values. KULCSSZAVAK: KERÁMIA, FŐÉS NYOMELEMEK, RONCSOLÁSMENTES VIZSGÁLAT, PGAA