DEVELOPMENT OF A DAMAGE ASSESSMENT DOSIMETER USING PIEZOELECTRIC QUARTZ CRYSTALS COATED WITH EGG BASED FILMS

M.Odlyha, G.M. Foster, and J.M Slater

Birkbeck College, University of London

ABSTRACT

In past years coated piezoelectric quartz crystals have been developed for selective and sensitive determination of air pollutants which include ammonia and hydrogen sulphide [1]. More recently polyethylene imine coated piezoelectric quartz crystals have been used for continuous monitoring of the relative humidity gradients across a painting in Sandham Memorial Chapel [2]. Gaseous materials can be selectively adsorbed by the coating causing a decrease in the frequency of vibration of the crystal and a measure of the gas adsorbed. Gases can also cause irreversible changes in the film and may provide a measure of the potential for damage of a particular indoor environment. In this paper the potential of egg based and varnish coated piezoelectric quartz crystals is discussed.

References:

[1] L.M.Webber,J.Hlavay and G.G.Guilbault, "Piezoelectric Detectors for Specific Detection of Environmental Pollutants", Mikrochimica Acta, 1 (1978) 351-358

[2] M. Odlyha, G. M. Foster, N. S. Cohen, C. Sitwell and L. Bullock, "Microclimate monitoring of indoor environments using piezoelectric quartz crystal humidity sensors", J. Environ. Monit., 2 (2000) 127-131

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Author to whom correspondence may be addressed:

Marianne Odlyha
School of Biological and Chemical Sciences
Birkbeck College, University of London
Gordon House 29 Gordon Square
London WC1H OPP

E-mail: m.odlyha@bbk.ac.uk