The chemistry of the classical violin varnish continues to be debated.  Of interest are the nano particles (NP) found in the ground coating. It has been proposed that these NPs were manufactured.  The NP size proposes a dilemma, how were they produced? The majority of these NPs are calcium carbonate (CC). At the time of classical violin making, the pigment  Bianco di San Giovanni, a partially carbonized CC, was available.  The supernatant of this pigment contains NPs of precipitated CC .  But why apply this to the violin? By application to maple, pine and violins, we found several interesting results. It can act as a plate stiffener, thus effecting plate acoustics. It can act as a wood dye. It turns the wood a golden brown with grain highlights. These changes are consistent with the nature of the classical ground.  If Bianco di San Giovanni was used in violin construction awaits additional confirmation.

Identification of a possible source for the nanoparticles found in the classical violin varnish

243rd National Meeting (2012)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.