CONSOLIDATION OF PAINTED WOODEN ARTIFACTS

Abstract

Wood, particularly in the presence of excessive moisture, deteriorates due to action of biological agents and sunlight. Decay manifests itself not only in impairment of physical strength but also in discoloration. Protection of the paint during consolidation by impregnation and polymerization, albeit difficult, is possible. Details of a home-built 23 cm-diameter and 48 cm-long chamber for vacuum impregnation are given. The permeating methylmethacrylate monomer solution used with good results contained bis-4-t-butylcyclohexyl peroxidicarbonate as catalyst, and pyridine as activator in addition to methylmethacrylate polymer, which reduced the rate of heat generation by the reaction. Polymerization induced by gamma irradiation also yielded satisfactory results. Case histories of three artifacts are described.     

A Visit to an ancient Gypsum Quarry in Tuscany

Abstract

Three methods of consolidating stone have been compared using Maastricht limestone as the substrate. They are: impregnation with polymer (Paraloid B 72) from solution; impregnation with a mixture of monomers followed by (a) γ-ray polymerization or (b) free-radical initiated thermal polymerization. The best results were obtained with the third method.     

Cellulose degradation in the Vasa: The role of acids and rust

Abstract

The oak timbers of the Swedish warship Vasa are deteriorating. High amounts of oxalic acid have been found along with a low pH and low molecular weight cellulose deep in the wood timbers. The iron-rich surface wood differs from the interior wood in that it displays higher pH and cellulose with higher molecular weight. The objective of this study was to determine why there is a difference in cellulose degradation, pH, and oxalic acid amount between the surface region and the interior of the Vasa timbers. Analysis of cellulose weight average molecular weight by size exclusion chromatography was performed, as well as quantification of oxalic acid and iron by high-performance anion exchange chromatography and atomic emission spectroscopy, respectively. It was found that a decrease in iron content coincides with an increase in oxalic acid concentration and a drop in pH at a certain depth from the wood surface. When iron-rich surface wood samples from the Vasa were mixed with an aqueous solution of oxalic acid, a fast increase of pH over time was observed. Neither interior wood poor in iron nor the fresh oak reference showed the same neutralizing effect during the time of measurement. This indicates that the presence of iron (rust) causes a neutralization of the wood, through the formation of iron(III) oxalato complexes, thus protecting the wood from oxalic acid hydrolysis. This effect was not observed to the same extent for other acids observed in Vasa wood (sulfuric, formic, glycolic, and acetic acids).     

Cross-sections and Chemical Analysis of Paint Samples

Abstract

Consolidation of decayed wooden artifacts can be achieved by impregnation with epoxy prepolymer dissolved in a mixture of toluene and glycidyl ether and subsequent polymerization in situ. The principles of selecting the successful method of application are discussed, and the details of the procedure given. Impregnation with the described solution causes insignificant expansion of the wood in contrast to the action of polyvinyl acetate in alcohol solution.     

Changing research trends in the field of archaeological wood at the Conservation Department,Faculty of Archaeology,Cairo University

Abstract

Since 1980, much research in the field of treatment and conservation of archaeological wood has been carried out at the Conservation Department, Faculty of Archaeology, Cairo University. Materials and methods used in conservation have been changing gradually over the years worldwide. It was necessary to study critically previous masters and doctoral dissertations on Egyptian archaeological and historic wood, all written in Arabic. This review of them includes a brief history of the Conservation Department at Cairo University and five main focal points of past research: types of wood used throughout Egyptian history, assessment of wood decay, wood properties and composition, treatment and conservation of decorated wood, and the evaluation of chemicals and polymers used in the treatment of archaeological wood and composite objects containing wood.     

Relining with Glass-Fiber Fabric

Abstract

Thermoplastic resins such as Butvar B98 and Acryloid B72 used as consolidants in solution may retain solvents which lower the glass transition temperature and plasticize the polymer. These effect scan be minimized by using solvents with low boiling points. This study is part of a continuing effort to examine consolidation of deteriorated wood in a systematic manner.     

A practical comparative study of several treatments for waterlogged wood

Abstract

In this study, the following methods of treatment have been studied: bulking with PEG 4000 in water, methanol and t-butanol solvents; bulking with PEG 540 blend in water; bulking with rosin in acetone; freeze-drying from different concentrations of PEG 400 with various methods of pre-freezing; in situ polymerization with glycol methacrylate and with a melamine formaldehyde resin; water displacement with methylene chloride followed by rosin impregnation. They have all been carried out with five groups of waterlogged wood representative of different species and various states of degradation. Freezedrying, PEG 4000 impregnation in t-butanol and PEG 540 blend impregnation in water gave the most satisfactory results, based on appearance and shrinkage.     

The yellowing of thymol in the display of prints

Abstract

Framed and glazed prints have been found to yellow rapidly when on exhibition. It was found that the frames all contained the fungicide thymol. Experimental work has shown that the discoloration is caused by photoxidation. The discoloration was present in the paper and in the polymethyl methacrylate glazing. Mass spectroscopy has revealed the presence of a polymer of thymol; there was no evidence for the expected oxidation products.     

Light-induced color changes and chemical modification of treated and untreated chestnut wood surface

Abstract

The aim of this work is to study the surface modifications of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) wood by reflectance spectrophotometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in order to understand the mechanisms that cause changes and to suggest possible solutions to avoid degradation phenomena. The experimental data were statistically treated to evaluate their significance. Concerning the surface protection of wood, starting from the results obtained by testing different commercial products, attention was focused on a novel organic preservative/consolidant product (Linfoil^®) that has attracted great interest in the field of conservation of wooden artifacts. Color monitoring showed that wood surface color undergoes an important variation due to photoirradiation, occurring within the first 24 hours and mainly due to L* decrease and b* increase. Though the protective treatment modifies wood color, nevertheless the product tested seems to protect the wood surface by reducing photoyellowing. FTIR analysis indicated that irradiation caused the degradation of lignin and increased the concentration of the chromophore groups on the wood surface. Changes in the chromaticity coordinates can be linked to the degradation of lignin and to increase of the concentration of carbonyl groups.     

Editorial

Abstract

Twenty-two commercial coatings were chosen, based on their film-forming mechanisms, to study the equilibrium concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and their emission rates at steady state. Concentrations of acetic acid (ethanoic acid) and total VOCs were measured using a thermal desorption unit coupled with a gas chromatograph. Almost all coatings released acetic acid, but at different rates. Coatings formed by oxidative polymerization were found to generate a high level of acetic acid at both equilibrium and steady state. The acetic acid equilibrium concentrations from the coatings formed by the other types of mechanism studied tended to be similar to those from red oak, an acidic wood. In a steady-state situation, most of the coatings applied on aluminium or on red oak had acetic acid emission rates lower than that of red oak alone, with the exception of the red oak coated with pigmented films formed by coalescence. The wide range of acetic acid equilibrium concentrations and emission rates for films formed by coalescence is due to the mixture of porous resin, extenders and free acetic acid in the formulations. Consideration should be given to allowing a sufficient drying period (three to four weeks) before using coated enclosures, in order to reduce the VOC concentrations within the enclosures.     

Conservation of Iron with Tannin

Abstract

Ivory can undergo severe cracking and splitting when exposed to adverse environmental conditions. The anisotropic dimensional properties of ivory have been investigated under varied temperature and relative humidity conditions. Migration of moisture into and out of ivory was found to play the principal role in its expansion and contraction. To control the resultant swelling and shrinking, the use of polymer coatings and waxes to act as moisture barriers was examined. A particularly effective polyvinylidene chloride emulsion was further tested for facility of application and aesthetic appearance. The incorporation of plasticizers into ivory to reduce brittleness and thereby relieve stress was also investigated.     

Method for Radiographing the Topography of Oil Paintings

Abstract

Polyethylene glycols (PEG) can be detected in wood by their in situ formation of coloured complex compounds. Solutions of potassium bismuth iodide/barium chloride and of bromine/potassium iodide are suitable for sprayingdirectly onto wood, and may even be used on dark-coloured wood by mixing chalk powder into the reagent. By adopting a print-off technique onto damp filter paper, the distribution of PEG in wood can be demonstrated even more exactly, even from very small samples. Print-offs are developed into differentiated coloured pictures withsolutions of potassium bismuth iodide/barium chloride, iodine/potassium iodide or ammonium cobalt (II) thiocyanate.     

THE POTENTIAL OF THE CANADIAN WINTER CLIMATE FOR THE FREEZE-DRYING OF DEGRADED WATERLOGGED WOOD

Abstract

The winter climatic conditions of much of Canada provide an ideal environment for freeze-drying. We have been attempting to use these conditions for the drying of large waterlogged timbers. In the freeze-drying process the wood is kept in a frozen state and the drying proceeds by sublimation. We are particularly concerned with the treatment of large timber which present great difficulties when treated by the accepted methods. A structure was built to keep snow and rain off the wood but which allowed air to pass over it. The structure was covered with polyethylene sheet to allow the sun to shine on the wood surface and heat it. Weight changes in the wood were measured with a load transducer and temperature wa followed with thermocouple probes. Temperature and relative humidity of the surrounding air were recorded instrumentally. The timbers were of several varieties of wood in various states of decomposition. All of the wood dried quickly and much of the water was removed. This technique appears to have the potential to treat large quantities of timber in an economic and simple way.     

Calcium Sulphate Minerals in the Grounds of Italian Paintings

Abstract

Polyurethane foaming resins have been found more satisfactory for mounts than wood, polystyrene foam and perspex. The procedure for making a mount is described. The time required to make a single mount is about a week. Additional mounts can then be made in days.     

Durability of Chinese Repair Bamboo Papers under Artificial Aging Conditions

ABSTRACT

To study the life expectancy and difference in aging resistance properties of different modern repair bamboo papers, hydrothermal/dry-heat ageing experiments on repair bamboo paper samples were conducted. The mechanical strength (tensile strength and folding endurance) of different papers during the ageing process were analyzed. Furthermore, the chemical properties (degree of polymerization and pH) of the samples were tested to search for the immanent cause of paper ageing. The results indicated that the ageing resistance ability and durability of modern repair paper are strongly related to their production process, which corresponds with the initial properties of the paper. Mechanical pulp had a low degradation resistance, which was further exacerbated by the chemical bleaching process. In the long run, traditional handmade papers with solar bleaching processes will have longer-term stability and durability.     

Why Do Historical Beeswax Seals Become Brittle Over Time?

ABSTRACT

Mechanical properties of aged beeswax were studied by an indirect measurement, using hydrogenated beeswax as a model material. The adequacy of the model was evaluated by comparison of its chemical composition and thermal properties with those of samples of historical beeswax. It was found that the gradual decrease in content of unsaturated compounds in beeswax contributes significantly to changes of its mechanical properties. As a consequence, beeswax artefacts become increasingly prone to mechanical damage during natural ageing. Understanding the difference between mechanical properties of recent and historical beeswax is primarily important from the point of view of safe handling and storage of such artefacts. Besides, this knowledge could help conservation scientists, e. g. when preparing model samples for testing new conservation methods.     

Iron removal from waterlogged wood: Extraction by electrophoresis and chemical treatments

Abstract

The presence of iron oxides (lepidocrocite, goethite) in archeological wood may result in a degradation of the wood matrix. Extraction of these iron oxides is largely dependent on their solubility. In this study, balsa wood samples were impregnated with iron oxides to test extraction treatments. Additionally, archeological wood samples were also examined to determine treatment efficiency. Electrophoresis and simple immersion treatments were performed using various chemical solutions: a neutral and a conductive substance (potassium nitrate), an acid (acetic acid), three alkaline chelating agents (tri-ammonium and tri-sodium citrate and sodium oxalate), three acidic and slightly acidic chelating agents (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citric acid, and oxalic acid), and a reductant (sodium dithionite). Potassium nitrate did not extract sufficient amounts of iron, irrespective of whether the treatment was conducted by electrophoresis or simple immersion; any observable dissolution was attributed to protonation because of the acidic pH around the anode (as low as 3). Dissolution in acetic acid did not extract iron with either treatment. Strong chelating agents improved extraction, and these compounds gave the best results for simple immersion, particularly EDTA. This chemical is well adapted for use on archeological objects because of its chemical properties (stability constant, speciation based on pH). The addition of sodium dithionite to the solution improved dissolution. Even though electrophoresis improved extraction (in particular for tri-ammonium citrate), none of the tested chelating chemicals were suitable for electrophoresis because of a significant increase in temperature as well as high anode corrosion. The presence of iron sulfide in the archeological wood limited the effectiveness of the tested chemicals. A pre-treatment in sodium persulfate was expanded to include oxidized iron sulfide in oxy/hydroxide iron, which improved the extraction rate.     

Influence of Process Parameters on Chlorinated Biocide Decontamination by li-CO2 on Artificially Contaminated Model Materials

ABSTRACT

Previously, heavy use of biocides for the treatment of objects made of organic materials in museum collections (e.g. ethnographic, historical collections) was very common. Now suitable decontamination methods/technologies are being sought. A decontamination treatment by li-CO₂ was optimized that considered the specific requirements of museum objects. The treatment was tested on model materials artificially contaminated with biocide solutions containing dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), pentachlorophenol (PCP), lindane, and permethrin or cypermethrin. High decontamination was achieved for DDT, lindane, PCP, and permethrin on artificially biocide loaded wool and wood model materials. Optimal process parameter settings for li-CO₂ decontamination include a single 30?min cycle for woolen materials and three sequential 30?min cycles each for wood. These methods allow a reduction of at least 90% of all biocides for wool and between 70% and 85% for wood. Decontamination of the latter was more effective for less polar biocides as DDT and permethrin. Despite a significant improvement in decontamination for wood using co-solvents such as acetone, ethanol, and methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE), their use is not recommended due to the increased risk of damage to the objects, in particular if a surface coating is present.     

Post-treatment Study of Iron/Sulfur-containing Compounds in the Wreck of Lyon Saint-Georges 4 (Second Century ACE)

ABSTRACT

A pre-restoration diagnosis revealed a high amount of pyrite in the wood of the Lyon Saint-Georges 4 shipwreck (end of the second century). The occurrence of this phase is supposed to result from the microbiologically influenced corrosion of the iron fasteners. So, all the nails and metallic elements were removed from the remains before treatment and the wreck was consolidated by polyethylene glycol impregnation coupled to a specific desalination process. Treated and non-treated samples extracted from the wreck were studied in order to identify the iron/sulfur-containing compounds present in the wood before and after treatment and figure out its effect. Sample analyses relied on an original approach combining magnetic characterization methods and more common elemental and structural analysis methods. The results showed that the treatment was effective in removing soluble salts. However, a large amount of unstable iron sulfides remained inside the wood.     

POLYCHROMED SCULPTURES IN JAPAN

Abstract

Japanese sculptures are made of wood, dry lacquer, clay, gilt bronze and stone. Buddhistic statues, made of wood, are the most abundant. The painting techniques of the wooden sculptures, including ground coating, pigments, and application of Japanese lacquer, are described, and typical examples of Buddhistic statues are given. Specific case studies on a clay statue and a wooden sculpture are made.