Abstract:All kinds of wood and man made wood composites are used for the storage and display of museum objects.Volatile acids from these lumber materials are main concern in the museum environment.To evaluate the properties of these volatile acids from lumber materials commonly used for the storage or display of museum objects,14 lumber boards were tested in airtight spaces,samples were heated at 40℃ to accelerate evaporation,volatile acids were collected using a no power diffusive sampler for four hours,and the collected substances were analyzed semi quantitatively by double gradient ion chromatography.A fast evaluation method was explored and relevant experimental parameters are discussed.The results showed that red oak,camphorwood,treated basswood and treated raminwood have relatively high contents of formic acid and acetic acid.The acetic acid evaporated from these woods is more than 4 mg·m-3·mm-2 per surface unit for 4 hours,and this number of formic acid is higher than 0.5 mg·m-3·mm-2.With the aim of preventing volatile acids from polluting the museum environment,lumber samples covered with aluminum plastic film were also tested.The results of this study indicate that the aluminum plastic film can effectively decrease the volatilization of formic acid and acetic acid from wood.The release of both formic and acetic acids is reduced to less than 0.2 mg·m-3·mm-2 each per surface unit.

Abstract:The Hanguang Entrance remains of the Tang Dynasty provides valuable historical,cultural and scientific information.As time goes by,a wide range of biological damage has occurred,and urgent action needed to be taken to rescue the site.After a detailed investigation of biological damage,it was found for the first time that insects and mites can cause severe damage,and that cyanobacteria and fungi are main damage factors.The causes and mechanism of these biological diseases have been analyzed.Prevention and control measures have been investigated.These studies lay a solid foundation for further rescue protection.

Abstract:In order to explore the feasibility of using infrared thermal imaging technology to detect deterioration of rock paintings,the Huashan rock painting,in Guangxi province,were examined.This technique revealed some typical deterioration diseases such as overgrowth by the stalactites,surface stripping and water penetration,can be detected effectively.Furthermore,the optimal time for detection of different deterioration diseases varies.For stalactite overgrowth the early morning or evening is better,while for stripping, the afternoon is better.Compared with the detection using visible light,the infrared thermal imaging has its own special advantages.

Abstract:Rammed earth construction is typical representative of Chinese ancient structures.Nowadays,the composition,mixture ratios and the craftsmanship used in rammed earth construction have almost been lost.The mechanical performance of rammed earth depends on its composition and ramming techniques,which are of great importance.The study on the components and performances of the old structures is very important for the protection of ancient rammed earth structures and for research on the craftsmanship of rammed earth structures.Therefore,the composition and craftsmanship used in the ancient rammed earth emplacement at Jiaoshan were studied,including water control,sticky soup preparation and so on.Comparative analyses of mechanical properties,composition,and X ray diffraction results,indicated that the ratio of earth to lime to pinyin,which is 4∶3,best approximates the composition of rammed earth used at Jiaoshan ancient emplacement.With this mixture ratio,good results have been reached in the repair of repair of the ancient emplacement at Jiaoshan.

Abstract:The current state of preservation of Xiaoshi harbor forts site at Huangshan,Jiangyin city,indicates that rescue restoration and conservation are urgently needed.In order to improve the overall weathering resistance of the rammed earth wall,the “San he tu” formula was optimized based on compressive strength and freezing thaw cycle tests.Results showed that the concentration of glutinous rice plasma should be 1%～2%,that the mass ratio of earth to lime should be higher than 3∶1 and that the potassium alum concentration should not be higher than 0.1%.These results provide a reference when considering the strengthening and conservation of ancient forts sites.

Abstract:Fluorocarbon coatings have good resistance to weathering and corrosion and have been used as a coating material for relics in China.However,direct coating following industrial procedures can not meet special conservation requirements,such as low gloss and reversibility.Therefore,a series of fluorocarbon coating materials have been tested for conservation of iron relics.Their mechanical and anti corrosion properties,thermal stability and resistance to weathering have been tested.The results showed that using aprimer coating and adding SiO₂ nano particles are effective in protecting outdoor iron relics.This conclusion was verified by observation of the appearance of the object and FTIR spectrum analysis of samples before and after exposure tests.The thermal stability of the fluorocarbon coating can be increased by adding nano SiO₂ particles.

Abstract:Ink sticks are one of the Chinese nation's treasures.However,as time goes by,most of them have mildewed,cracked,fractured,powdered and crumbled.It is difficult to preserve ink sticks for a long time,and protection and repair are urgently needed.The gelatin graft copolymer was synthesized by inverse emulsion polymerization with butyl acrylate (BA) and acrylonitrile (AN).Experimental parameters such as pretreatment time,monomer dosage,reacting temperature and times were investigated.The shear,the bending,and cleavage strengths,before and after accelerated aging,and resistance,were tested.The GEL/BA/AN graft copolymer was characterized by FTIR.In simulated repair tests,the shear,bending and cleavage strengths of samples adhered with gelatin-acrylonitrile butyl acrylate adhesive were found to be 0.44MPa,68 N/m and 69 N/m respectively; after accelerated aging,they were 0.37MPa,54 N/m and 44 N/m respectively.The results indicate that the restored ink-sticks have high bond strength.The method is also antibacterial,anti-fungal,anti aging and non destructive.It is an effective reinforcement and conservation method for ancient ink sticks.

Abstract:The 5.12 Wenchuan Earthquake caused damage and destruction to the Canon tower of the Peacock Cavity in the Anyue Grottoe.The aim of the project is to repair damage caused by the earthquake,to restore the frame,to reinforce the structure,and to decrease the effects of natural aging.Due to the unexpected destruction and the resulting rescue demands,this mapping and preservation project was completed in only one month.The three dimension LASER scan technology was introduced from the beginning.Thus,through application of computer simulation technology,the computer simulated rebuilt tower model can accurately assess the destruction of the Canon Tower and determine the original location of each damaged component.Together with structural calculation,these data provided a reference for final decision regarding the preservation plan.The application of three dimension Laser Scanning and computer simulation was successful and stands as a milestone for the investigation and preservation design for stone relics.It represents a useful technique for scientific heritage conservation.

Abstract:Meiyuan Stone,widespread in the Ningbo area,has a long history of usage dating back to the Western Jin Dynasty.Because of its superior workability,it has been widely used as a building and stone carving material.In many cases,stonework displayed out of doors has undergone serious deterioration because of a number of factors.Several representative cultural heritage sites were selected for analysis,including the Qing’an Commercial Guild Hall and Dongqian Lake Stone Inscriptions.It was found that Meiyuan Stone is a tuffaceous sandstone of high porosity.Biodeterioration,weathering,mechanical disruption and surface deposits are the major causes of deterioration,although the stone’s material properties and preservation environment are closely involved,too.Based on the survey,a preliminary conservation plan is provided.This information will be useful for future research on conservation materials and methods for Meiyuan Stone.

Abstract:It is important to select effective and safe painting cleaning agent for mildew spots on mural paintings.Five biological and chemical cleaning agents5% trypsinase with dilute cleaning agent; 5% neutral proteinase with dilute cleaning agent; an ammonium hydroxide and ethanol mixture; and 70% ethanol in deionized water were applied separately to a simulated mildew board,cotton cloth used for removing and packaging of the mural painting and to the surface of mildewed Tang Dynasty mural painting.Cleaning experiments suggested that a biological agent,namely the trypsin solution,was effective.This,along with a few other chemical cleaning agents,can remove most of the mildew on the mural painting to be.

Abstract:Eleven copper alloy and two iron artifacts,dating from the Warring States period to West Han Dynasty,and unearthed from Chenggong Tianzimiao and Chenggong Shibeicun,Kunming,were analyzed by optical and scanning electron microscopy.Copper and Cu-Sn alloy were identified,and the chemical composition was similar for similar objects.The copper-made farm implements,weapons and tools were made by casting and showed no sign of usage.Two iron blade swords with bronze handles had been made of hypoeutectoid steel,which was a good quality for weapons.

Abstract:The process condition of modification starch used in mounting with α enzyme is discussed;the solid condition is 10%.Through experiment, the best process condition is testified,keeping temperature at 60℃ for 25min,pH at 6.6,the usage of α enzyme is 11U/g to the usage of starch and the viscosity of the starch is 2.3mPa·s.Compared with wheat flour,enmymolysed starch has better stability and mildew resistance.Besides,it can also improve the strength of xuan paper,favourable for long term conservation of calligraphy and painting.

Abstract:The Cangzhou Iron Lion is the biggest cast iron antique.Because Cangzhou Iron Lion is difficult to be protected in the open air,it is necessary to take real time monitor on it,using special health monitoring system.The data management and integration system is exploited, it is one of the core of health monitoring system.The central database is built by SQL Server 2005 and the human computer interface is designed by Delphi,the corresponding data analysis program is also developed;the system integration platform is set up by Delphi, and coordinates various subsystems of the health monitoring system of Cangzhou Iron Lion to cooperate smoothly,and all relevant interface programs are compiled including the structural analysis software of ANSYS,MATLAB,etc; an in depth study and analysis is carried out for the structural safety assessment methods,a number of effective and practical methods are put forward and realized in programs.Most research results are successfully applied on local experiment of Cangzhou Iron Lion structure Health monitoring system,providing much valuable basic reference information for long term structure health monitoring.

Abstract:In 1986,the Archaeological Institute of Shaanxi Province evacuated a water saturated,rotten lacquer “Yu” from Qingong tomb No.1,at the Yongcheng site of Fengxiang city.No suitable method could be applied to dehydrate and reinforce the piece.The natural sand pile drying method can only be applied to lacquerwares that have a lower water content (around 50%,not higher than 100%) and well preserved wooden parts.A technical improvement has been made to this method.An acetone solution of gum mastic was added to the sand for dehydration and reinforcement of the water-saturated,rotten “Yu” lacquerware piece.As a result,the shrinkage of the longest length of “Yu” was zero,the shrinkage of its greatest width was 1.3%,and the absolute water content was 180%.There was no distortion and the colored drawing on the surface was saturated and colorful.The result is satisfying.The dehydration mechanism is:the gum mastic acetone solution reinforces the piece;the dehydration speed is controlled by the bulk of the sand and the surrounding sand decreased the distortion force.This modification overcame “the natural sand pile” drying method’s limitation to laquerware with low water content and well preserved wooden parts.The method can be applied on water saturated,rotten lacquerware and has broad applicability.

Abstract:Many masonry monuments are in urgent need of maintenance in China.However,at present,in conservation field,there is neither a complete quality control system nor regulations for restoration of ancient monuments.An analysis is made of current restoration and maintenance protocols with specific reference to masonry monuments,namely materials,design,construction and other aspects of ancient monument construction.Questions and suggestions regarding masonry structures are put forward.

Abstract:Water is widely used in textile conservation,and the quality of water has direct or indirect effects on textile conservation and the security of objects.Understanding the composition,merits and demerit of water of different quality,recognition of the effects of water on textile and its accessory materials,and consideration of the composition of objects,their condition of preservation and the aim of conservation are all related to the quality and proper use of water in textile conservation.

Abstract:Paper discoloration,which is related to the aging of cellulose,dust,mold,watermarks,painting pigments,etc.,affects the durability and appearance of paper relics and books in libraries.This paper discusses the causes of paper discoloration,based on the analysis of paper components, such as cellulose,hemicellulose,lignin and resin.To restore the original color of the paper,chromophoric groups must be destroyed either by opening conjugated double bonds,by separating chromophoric and auxochromic groups,by changing the chemical structures of chromophoric groups,or by oxidation of double bonds or side chains to decrease the amounts of chromophoric materials.Nowadays,the most widely used methods in the restoration workshops are oxidation bleaching,reducing bleaching and light aqueous bleaching.The decoloration mechanism of different methods and their effects on paper relics are reviewed.By comparison,it can be seen that all bleaching methods cause some damage to the paper.Their application on paper relics should be selected carefully according to different conditions.After bleaching,the paper should be washed thoroughly.