Abstract:Abstract:Paper relics are vulnerable to conservation materials due to their fragility. To investigate the application of soy milk to conservation of paintings and paper, Xuan paper was used to simulate soy milk treated paper. The physical properties, degree of polymerization, surface morphology and chemical structure changes in Xuan paper were recorded. The results suggested that after soy milk treatment, there were more hydrogen bonds formed between the paper surface and soy protein, making the paper more water resistant. Treatment with soy milk resulted in a smaller change to the degree polymerization of the paper than did glue alum water. The scanning electron microscopy image shows a gel layer formed on the paper fiber surface after being treated with soy milk. This study provides information for further use of soy milk in conservation

Abstract:Extraction is the first step of dye analysis on ancient textiles. The methods and reagents to extract dyes from silk were studied. Nine commonly used ancient plants dyes were chosen to dye modern silk samples following ancient procedures. The selected dye sources were Caesalpinia sappan, Rubia cordifolia, Lithospermum erythrorhizon, Gardenia jasminoides, Sophora japonica, Curcuma longa, Phellodendron amurense, gallnut, shell of chestnut and indigo. Extraction solvents tested include DMF, acetic acid, methanol, ethanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, petroleum ether, sodium bicarbonate solution (pH=10), HCl/methanol/H2O (v/v/v=2:1:1), 3M HCl/ethyl acetate (v/v=1:1) and 10% sulfuric acid/methanol (v/v=1:1). Furthermore, the dyed silk samples were aged and extracted to compare these extracts with extracts of unaged silk samples. Results showed that HCl/methanol, DMF, and acetic acid did well in extraction. However, HCl/methanol hydrolyzed the silk fiber greatly. Caesalpinia sappan, Rubia cordifolia, Lithospermum erythrorhizon, Gardenia jasminoides, Curcuma longa and Phellodendron amurense dyed silk samples could be extracted using methanol, 10% sulfuric acid/ethyl acetate and 2% sodium bicarbonate solution. Curcuma longa and Phellodendron amurense dyed samples could also be extracted using ethanol and water. Dyes with mordant could be extracted using EDTA/DMF, which did little damage to silk. Gallnut and shell of chestnut dyed silk could be extracted by water or 70% ethanol. Indigo could be extracted by pyridine, pyridine/water, DMF and acetic acid. The dyes on heataged silk had undergone some oxidation and crosslinking processes, thus the extraction was more difficult. In case a reagent does not meet particular analytical needs, the methods of evaporationredissolution or extraction could be used

Abstract:To explore the characteristics of surface hollowing and deterioration of historical sandstones, the sandstones of Xi Huang Si Temple were selected as a research subject. Chemical analysis, Xray and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the chemical and mineral components and microstructure of the surface hollowed stone samples. This work revealed the primary causes of hollowing of the sandstones. The first is the existence of a schistose texture in the sandstone and a great amount of expandable clay or plaster sheets. Second, the surfaces of the stone dissolve under the effect of rain, allowing moisture to enter the interior of the sandstones. Inside the sandstone, the parts having a high content of clay or plaster expand rapidly with water, resulting in high pressure expansion. Third, at the locations where the clay or plaster content is high, the coupling strength is low. Hollowing occurs under expansion pressure. This test methods used and hollowing mechanism proposed can provide reference for similar studies.

Abstract:Ancient mining and smelter remains in Nanling county, Anhui province show that this region is one of earliest and biggest metallurgical industry centers in the lower reaches of Yangzi river of China. The earliest Jiangmuchong site was dated to the late West Zhou dynasty. Microstructures and compositions of various bronze samples from Nanling county and dated from late West Zhou Dynasty to Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods were investigatd. Examination reveals that some vessels are copperlead or coppertinlead alloys. However, those made by hot forging, followed by quenching do not contain lead, but rather have a tin content that is right for the technique and good for their properties. Weapons, tools and horse and cart decorations are all coppertin alloys, suggesting that the bronze artisans at the time had a good understanding of the relationship between an alloys composition and its properties. The body of a “Ding” in the “Yue” style shows a martensite structure formed by hot forging followed by quenching. Similar structures were found in bronze gongs and cymbals dated to the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. A.D. 220), bronze sword from the Xiajiang region dated to the midtolate Warring States period, and bronze vessels excavated from pit storage and dated to the Southern Dynasties. Two bronze weapons (Ge), from the Wu state, have structures that show quenching after casting, a slightly different technique. The working of these bronze structures is not accidental; in fact these bronzes show that the hot working and quenching technique was applied to high tin bronze dating back to at least the Spring and Autumn and Warring states periods and that the technique was used to improve mechanical properties of high tin bronze alloys

Abstract:In 2009, a boatshaped cup was excavated from the Xujiaba site at Pengshui in Chongqing city. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry analysis showed that the surface of the boatshaped cup contained a large amount of Cu and Pb and a trace amount of Sn. Additionally, a small copper block isolated from the boatshaped cup was found to be made of Cu, Sn and Pb. Xray diffraction analysis of a bluegray material in the cup showed that it was comprised of cassiterite (SnO2), copper oxide (CuO) and carbon (C). These results indicated that the Ba People, who lived during the Shang and Zhou dynasties, knew the properties of bronze alloys and had grasped the technology of bronze smelting and casting. This finding suggests that boatshaped cup was used as a crucible in the bronze smelting and casting

Abstract:To prevent the lacquer base layer from peeling off the pottery body of Qin Terra-cotta figures, several strengthening reagents based on modified silicones were used to glue aged lacquer pieces to treated pottery surfaces. Five aspects of the reagents, including velocity of solidification, fluidity, osmosis, ductility and adhesive strength, were evaluated. The adhesive strength of reagent is related to characteristics of the reagent, the solidification temperature and the film area ratio after solidification. Modified silicone reagents can wet both the pottery and the Chinese lacquer pieces. Good bonding effects could be achieved by choosing the right technique. Formula A3, a mixture of silicone, xylene and triethanolamine, performed well and could be used for conservation of painted lacquer layer of Qin Terracotta figures

Abstract:The green ground layer in an Eastern Han Dynasty tomb mural painting at Haotan, Dingbian was analyzed. Polarized light microscopy (PLM), Raman spectroscopy (RS), Xray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) and scanning electron microscopyenergy dispersive spectrometer (SEMEDS) were used to analyzed the chemical and chase composition of the green layer. The results were compared with data of four European green earth samples. It was concluded that the green layer is green earth. However, further research is needed to provide more scientific information for archaeological and future conservation studies

Abstract:A probabilistic approach is proposed in order to study the accuracy of evaluations of earthquake damage to ancient wooden buildings. Two factors, the structural damage index and the maximum drift angle, are considered in establishing the evaluation model. The evaluation of earthquake damage to woodbased structures in ancient buildings is established by comprehensive evaluation of the seismic damage model. This method calculates the probability of various kinds of damage under various levels of destructive conditions by comprehensive analysis of current conditions and experimental data. The actual damage condition during an earthquake should correspond to the calculated condition with the largest probability. This method was verified by studying two ancient wooden buildings with different kinds of structural damage incurred during the Wenchuan Earthquake. As a result, the rationale and validity of the model were demonstrated. The model could be used to accurately predict the seismic damage to the ancient wooden building and provide theoretical information for the strengthening of ancient buildings to minimize the damage during future earthquakes.

Abstract:Pulsation and vibration tests were carried out to assess the damage caused by automobileinduced vibrations on the colored clay statues in the Sacred Lady Hall in Shanxi province.Pulsation tests were used to obtain the fundamental frequency of vibration period,the damping ratio and the transfer function of the colored statues;single and multi automobile induced vibration tests were used to calculate the displacement of the statues under varying traffic volume.Based on the condition of the statues and their maximal displacement angles,preliminary rating scales and regulations of instant vibrations effect on the colored clay statues in the Sacred Lady Hall is proposed.Based on theory of fatigue damage and vibration test results,criteria for vealuation of effects of constant vibration on the colored clay statues are also proposed.Based on current state of damage to the statues and their maximal displacement angle under vibration,a minimum safe distance from the road is suggested.In addition,the road conditions around the Sacred Lady Hall have been surveyed.

Abstract:Conservation of steep earthen slope sites is different from that of common earthen slopes. For high, steep slope in danger of crumbling, the most common treatment is to remove part of the tip and to patch the base. However, an important aim of protecting earthen slopes of cultural heritage interest is to preserve their current appearance, so conservation of such sites poses some special problems. The process of deformation of steep earthen slopes has some unique characteristics. An automatic deformation monitoring instrument with an accuracy of 0.01 mm was installed at the Nanrui dam in the 513 sub region of the Jiaohe ruins to gather realtime data on a conserved earthen slope that is in danger of crumbling. Analysis of the data obtained revealed the characteristics of the deformation and the evolutionary process of this deformation. The results indicate that the conserved slope deforms nonlinearly. Parts of the slope change normally and steadily, and other parts deform abnormally and rapidly. Deformation trends could also be observed, namely, periodical vibration deformations and random deformations. The research is of importance for the evaluation of enhancement of similar earthen slope sites

Abstract:elated studies of stone tools and cutting patterns on plant residues has indicated that the bladed threshing sledge was used on a large scale in the Near East. However, up to now, there has been no evidence that either threshingboards or threshingsledges were used in China or anywhere the Far East. As described in this paper, cutting patterns on plant residues found at the Heying site provide first evidence that the bladed threshing sledges may have been used in China as far back as the ShangZhou period of China. This discovery has important implications with reard to threshing and processing methods used for ancient crops and for development of agricultural archaeology in China

Abstract:In order to dehydrate and preserve fabric core lacquer wares excavated from Haiqu tomb site, a Han Dynasty tomb site in Rizhao city, nineteen lacquer fragments were selected and analyzed using stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and Xray to understand the materials and manufacture technique of the lacquers. No plaster layer was found between multiple ramie layers, a technique different from modern techniques. Water is easily deposited in these lacquers, making them susceptible to degradation. This study provides a reference for research into fabric core lacquer wares of ancient China

Abstract:The airborne microorganisms in the Capital Museum have been sampled and 28 of these were analyzed. These bacteria were indentified by their morphology, biochemistry and molecular biological information. The basic characteristics of the bacteria were described by their morphological and biochemical properties. 16S rDNA sequences of 28 bacteria have been obtained using molecular biological techniques. These bacterial sequences were compared with standard information in Genbank. The identification was suggested when the sequence of the bacteria matched that of known homologous bacteria to a degree of 99% or higher. Under normal conditions, these bacteria will not cause infectious disease, and therefore are safe to museum visitors and staff. In addition, the phenomenon and mechanisms of the bacteria and their possible damage to cultural relics have been assessed based on its growth characteristics and their physical and biochemical properties. The work above can provide references for air quality monitoring and the protection of cultural relics and their display environment

Abstract:The properties of light aged lacquer coated silk fabrics were examined to understand the resistance of these materials to light aging and to act as reference for the preservation and display of the excavated lacquer coated silks. Three kinds of samples, uncoated silk, silk fabrics coated with lacquer and silk fabrics coated with lacquer mixed with 15% tungoil, were artificially light aged. These studies showed that tensile strength and elongation at the breaking point of both pure lacquer coated fabrics and tungoil and lacquer coated fabrics decreased and were much smaller than those for pure silk fabrics. Tungoil and lacquer coated fabrics had the smallest decrease. Both lacquer and tungoil films showed slight hollowing and fracturing under light. Pure lacquer film had more damage. During lightaging process, lacquer was able to preserve the silk fibers well. No change in crystallinity was observed on coated silk but it was observed with uncoated silk. These results can serve as references for preservation and exhibition of excavated lacquer coated silks

Abstract:The wooden artifacts excavated in Gansu are typical rotted wooden objects, based on the shapes and structures of the wood. The woods used were identified as wood from Picea spp., Sabina spp. and Abies spp. Based on the shape, structure,and effecting issues the wooden artifacts, it is concluded that after the first fundamental change, when the wood moisture content was well below the fiber saturation point, the artifacts experienced a second fundamental change stage, when wood moisture content was close or slightly higher than the moisture content balance point. The change during the second stage is devastating for the artifacts. The microstructure of the wood was observed by crosssectional microscopy and by scanning electron microscopy. These results match those of the different decay stages of the objects. A piece of coffin wood excavated with other rotted wood artifacts was selected as a research control subject to measure its chemical compositions, volume, weight, moisture content and mechanical properties. It was found that: more than 50% of the wood fiber had degraded and that the wood had a moisture content of 10.5%. In addition, the wood's mechanical properties have declined significantly, with its density being about 60% that of normal density of the wood. It is concluded that: 1) the shape and structural condition of the rotted wood match its condition as observed by the crosssectional method and SEM; measurement of the material composition, volume, weight and mechanical properties provide solid support for the analytical results; 2) the main cause of the shape and structural change of the rotted wood is its wood moisture content, a value that changes with the surrounding environment and reflects the material properties of the rotted wood; 3) the fiber saturation and moisture content balance points are very important physical parameters that could affect the shape and structure of the wooden artifact; 4) depending on the properties of the rotted wood artifacts, their preservation should be done without direct contact with water. The moisture content of the wood artifacts should be strictly controlled. A stable and constant environment is crucial for the preservation of rotted wood artifacts

Abstract:The article introduces nine leadcontaining pigments discovered in northwest China: lead white, phosgenite, leadhillite, anglesite, cotunite, laurionite, pyromorphite, mimetesite and lead sulfide. These pigments have long history of application in China. These pigments could come from mineral sources although they might be manmade. Various leadcontaining pigments were found in Tiantishan Grotto. Pyromorphite and mimetesite are characteristic pigments used in Maijishan Grotto