Exploring Ancient Egyptian Faience With Nanotechnology: Compositional Mappings, Microstructure Analysis, And Modern Applications
Open Access
Author:
Okkelberg, Elyssa Iris
Area of Honors:
Materials Science and Engineering
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Paul Raymond Howell, Thesis Supervisor Paul Raymond Howell, Thesis Supervisor Dr. Elizabeth J Walters, Thesis Honors Advisor Digby D Macdonald, Faculty Reader Paul Raymond Howell, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
archeological science archaeometry historical objects glass SEM copper EDS compositional mapping frit ceramics nanotechnology Egypt Materials Science Engineering art history faience Egyptian faience penn state elyssa okkelberg
Abstract:
This thesis investigated Egyptian faience, an ancient ceramic material that consists of granular quartz or sand coated with an alkali-based glaze. Of interest is the production process of faience, in particular the raw materials and the glazing method. Previous investigations examined the production process using compositional and microstructural data from ancient and replicate faience. This study confirmed prior results by investigating faience beads produced in Abydos, Egypt during the 22nd Dynasty (c. 940–720 BC). Furthermore, this investigation improved upon earlier works by creating compositional mappings and analyzing previously overlooked parts of faience. Moreover, modern applications for faience technology were explored.
