Human bone probed by neutron diffraction: the burning process. Issue 63 (11th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mamede, A. P.; Marques, M. P. M.; Vassalo, A. R.; Cunha, E.; Gonçalves, D.; Parker, S. F.; Kockelmann, W.; Batista de Carvalho, L. A. E.
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 9:Issue 63(2019)
• Page Start: 36640
• Page End: 36648
• Publication Date: 2019-11-11
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/c9ra07728f
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : The first neutron diffraction study of human burned bone – for understanding heat-induced changes, relevant for archaeology, biomaterials and forensic science. Abstract : The first neutron diffraction study of human burned bone is reported, aiming at a comprehensive elucidation of the heat-induced bone diagenesis process. Chemical and crystallinity changes were probed in different types of bone (femur, humerus and tibia) upon heating to different maximum temperatures (from 400 to 1000 °C, under aerobic conditions). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has provided valuable complementary information. Noticeable crystallographic and domain size variations were detected, mainly between 700 and 900 °C, the high temperature interval (>700 °C) corresponding to an organized, highly symmetric inorganic bone matrix, virtually devoid of carbonates and organic constituents, while the lower range (<700 °C) revealed a considerably lower crystallinity associated with the presence of carbonates, lipids and collagen. This work contributes to a better understanding of heat-induced changes in bone and is therefore relevant for archaeology, biomaterials and forensic science.