Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of archaeological and modern wood tar

Wood tars were historically valued for their versatile applications, stemming from their complex chemical composition. This study investigated the structure, composition, and properties of wood tars produced via traditional methods, both contemporary and archaeological. The analysis employed a multi-faceted approach using TGA, FT-IR ATR, Py-GC/MS, and ICP MS, while antioxidant activity was evaluated through DPPH and FRAP tests. The results demonstrate that combining these techniques provides a comprehensive profile of the chemical components responsible for redox reactions. The research confirms that wood tars produced hundreds of years ago retain their antioxidant properties, though they also contain components classified as hazardous. Understanding these relationships allows for a better explanation of the presence or absence of antioxidant activity in different tar samples. The study concludes that the synergy of organic functional groups and specific chemical elements determines the overall functional value of wood tar.