Removal of Mineral Inclusions

In conjunction with XANES and X-ray diffraction, initial investigations involving synchrotron based X-ray microspectrometry (at ESRF) has revealed two types of reduced sulfur compounds in the timbers of the Mary Rose. Organosulfur compounds are found in the lignin-rich middle lamella between wood cell walls, mostly as thiols, disulfides and elemental sulfur, while inorganic iron sulfides including iron pyrite, occurs in separate particles in the cell lumen. 

SRBs are known inhabitants of marine sediments. These bacteria convert sulfates into sulfides under anaerobic conditions. Sulfides in the form of hydrogen sulfide penetrate the wood and react to form two categories of sulfur 

Depth Profile of Hold timber - Mary Rose 

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