Abstract:Scanning electron microscopy, metallographic analysis and lead isotope ratio analysis were used to study the arsenic-containing Majing type bronze drums, in order to explore their matierals, craftsmanship and relation with other bronze drums in terms of origin and development. The results show that this type of bronze drum contains a Cu-Sn-As-Pb quaternary alloy. According to literature research, it is common that the ancient Majiang type bronze drums contain arsenic and that the content of arsenic is relatively high. By studying the various components, lead isotope ratios, geology and mineral sources, comparison with arsenic-containing Zunyi type bronze drums revealed a certain relation between the two types of arsenic-containing bronze drums, specifically that the minerals used for making these two types of bronze drum were probably from Wenshan, Yunnan Province and Baise, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Abstract:Several experimental methods including Raman, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were used to analyze the two black potteries of the Western Han Dynasty excavated from the tombs in the Shuanglong District of Lu’an. We found that the black layer was applied evenly on the outer surface of the pottery body. The black layer was made from carbon black and raw lacquer. The results are important for the understanding of the craftsmanship of black pottery.

Abstract:Newly excavated colored cultural relics often suffer color fading or changes when their environments change suddenly, which affects both their safety and artistic qualities. In order to study the various factors that affect tomb murals after they are exposed to the external environment, site monitoring was conducted to measure chromatic aberration and surface water content in the tombs. Identical red,yellow,blue and black colored areas of the tomb murals were studied. The results show that the color change is closely related to the surface water content. The micro-Raman spectrum results show the red pigment is HgS, the yellow is α-FeOOH, the blue is (Na,Ca)7-8(Al,Si)₁₂(O,S)₂₄SO₄ and the black is C. We found that the color change of the tomb murals was caused by the water:during the early excavation stage, the humidity of the murals was high and the colors were bright; but with the drying of the murals, the color saturation degraded and the murals became lighter in color. At the same time, migration of salts onto the surface also caused the murals to become paler in color.

Abstract:Schiff base corrosion inhibitor has a good effect of corrosion inhibition, but the traditional solvent method for its preparation uses anhydrous methanol as the extraction agent, which has high toxicity. In this study, we improved the solvent method and used anhydrous ethanol as the extraction agent instead to prepare a schiff base corrosion inhibitor. After application, its performance was evaluated by salt spray test, AC impedance and polarization curve testing methods, etc. Then its performance was compared with those of Fertan and Molybdate inhibitors, which are two commonly used inhibitors for relics. The corrosion inhibition efficiency of the final mixed Schiff base inhibitor was 92.89%, which is far better than the other two inhibitors. Because of the outstanding performance, it is being used in the field of relic protection for the first time.

Abstract:This paper discusses the entire process of conservation and restoration of the Han Dynasty jade wares unearthed from the Mizhi County of Shaanxi Province. New methods were used for extraction of information. We discuss the close relationship between on-site conservation and laboratory archaeology in terms of problems that can be avoided in future work. It is emphasized that cooperation among different professional teams is needed to complete different phases of the entire archaeological process. The participation of conservation professionals is needed not only for pre-conservation aspects but also for selection of the right on-site protection methods, so that more archaeological information can be extracted for future research.

Abstract:Lingzhao Xuan in the Forbidden City is one of the oldest steel-masonry composite structures. The building is seriously damaged now. In order to better conserve and restore the building, scientific researches on the damage to and the structural performance of this building are of great importance. Our research was carried out as follows:first, damage to the building was assessed by on-site observation of visible damage. Then the structural performance of the building was studied by accurate survey of damage, nondestructive test and finite element model (FEM) analysis to assess potential damage. Finally, based on these investigations, a conservation strategy for this building was proposed based on the results of these damage investigations and theoretical analysis.

Abstract:Based on earlier experiences with Yangshao cement, we did preliminarily laboratory experiments that revealed that a grouting material consisting of hydraulic lime (obtained from calcinated ginger nuts), metakaolin and silica sand was ideal for treating the cracks developing in sandstone grottoes. Further research also showed that when the grouting material was mixed with 10% of swelling agent, the optimum mixture ratio of hydraulic lime, metakaolin, silica sand was 1∶0.6∶0.4 and ratio of water to cement was 0.5~0.6∶1. Physical, mechanical and durability tests on the grouting material were carried out. The results showed that the hardened grout not only had the merits of large porosity, weak shrinkage and suitable strength, but also had high temperature-humidity cycle resistance, freezing and thawing cycle resistance and a low rate of erosion by salt and alkali. The studied material is suitable for the grouting conservation of sandstone grottoes.

Abstract:The conservation of earthen sites in humid circumstances has always been a difficult subject. Sites exposed to the elements can easily be destroyed by heavy rain and water. Soil sites are also prone to cracking, as well as salt and powder-related damage even though protected by sheds. Furthermore, the use of chemical materials for consolidation during protection often results in peeling of the surface and other damage. In order to explore the severity and influence of various factors on relics diseases and to provide a basis for future research, we used the Kuahuqiao site in Hangzhou Xiaoshan as an example for investigation and study. We found that the roof covering the site can prevent the rain from destroying the soil, but the roof brings the problem of one-way transfer of water and salt, soil shrinkage and so on. In humid areas, because there are temperature differences between air and soil, water vapor condensation in the soil micropores is also an important cause of soil moisture, ease of cracking and salt deposition. Experimental studies on the water supply technologies for indoor soil sites need to be done as soon as possible.

Abstract:In course of the conservation and renovation of historical timber buildings in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, we found serious decay at the bases of wooden pillars. By analyzing the decay problem, consulting relevant domestic and overseas specifications and experiences, as well as conducting field research, instrumental tests, material analysis and also statistical data analysis, we identified the main cause of the decay:condensed water. In addition, we determined that the traditional methods of waterproofing the wooden pillars could effectively solve the problem of decay.

Abstract:In order to study the minerals smelted to make the metals used in ancient bronze wares, I established a kind of a mineral mixture model based on lead isotope ratio data. Based on these data, the mineral mixture patterns were studied and are discussed. The theoretical predicted model compares the lead isotope ratio data of studied bronzes with those of certain minerals. Also, this method allows one to calculate the apparent lead content in the copper raw material.

Abstract:The Xiaohu-village cemetery was the family cemetery of the "She" clan of the late Shang Dynasty. We analyzed the rust layer structure and the manufacturing technology of 12 bronze objects unearthed from the cemetery, in order to explore their corrosion characteristics and unveil the archaeological information. These studies showed that pure copper, a Cu-Sn alloy and a Cu-Sn-Pb alloy had better corrosion resistance than did a Cu-Pb alloy. The 12 copper artifacts can be divided into four kinds:2 pure copper, 4 Cu-Pb alloy, 3 Cu-Sn alloy and 3 Cu-Pb-Sn alloy. Of these, 2 weapons (sword M28:1, dagger-axe M38:1) were processed after casting, while the others were made by cast molding only. All copper artifacts unearthed from tomb M21 were special funerary objects,suggesting that some small and middle nobles were buried with special funerary weapons and vessels in the Xiaohu-village cemetery. This phenomenon was similar to that seen in the central area of the Yinxu culture. The research results could provide a scientific basis for conservation and restoration of bronze wares.

Abstract:The aging of materials used for porcelain restoration is important because of their effect on the subsequent preservation. Nitrocellulose varnish is a commonly-used restoration material, but is prone to yellowing, and its diluent is somewhat toxic and may cause pollution. In order to select environment-friendly and durable porcelain restoration materials, four water-based materials:waterborne fluorocarbon resin DF-01, waterborne fluorocarbon emulsion, waterborne wood topcoat and waterborne wood undercoat were tested as adhesive materials on commercial porcelain samples. Traditional porcelain restoration methods were followed. After aging by thermal, hygrothermal and xenon arc processes, we characterized the resistance to aging of these materials by checking the differences in color and glossiness using a colorimeter and a vancometer, respectively. The experimental results showed that the resistance to thermal, hygrothermal and xenon arc aging was better for the waterborne polymer materials, in comparison with traditional nitrocellulose varnish. Because they are water-based, it is expected that they would also reduce the pollution problems of the traditional porcelain restoration materials. Therefore, the waterborne polymer materials have potential applicability.

Abstract:Ink sticks derived from pinewood soot and lamp soot are the two most important Chinese types of ink sticks in the history of traditional ink-stick production. However, their performances in use are diffevent due to the respective physical and chemical properties of the two raw materials; therefore, it is necessary to conduct accurate determinations and analyses of the physical and chemical properties of pinewood soot and lamp soot. We systematically investigated the compositions, particle structures, dispersion states, and surface chemical properties of lamp and pinewood soot using Zeta potential measurement, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), temperature-programmed desorption mass spectrometry (TPD-MS), thermogravimetry (TG) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The results show that pinewood soot and lamp soot not only differ in their particle sizes, degrees of graphitization and surface areas, etc., but also have large differences in their surface charges, and the types, distributions and relative contents of surface functional groups. Moreover, the relationships between the physical/chemical properties and their performances in use are discussed in terms of levels of blackness, color, gloss, permeation, layer distribution and stability. We hope that clearly defining the related physical and chemical properties and associating them with ink-stick production technology and the quality of the ink will enable us to improve traditional ink-stick production. The research results could provide a scientific basis for the making, using, identification and preservation of Chinese ink sticks.

Abstract:Considering acidification of literature paper and the drawbacks of traditional deacidification methods, we developed a set of automated literature deacidification technologies to automatically process the procedures. The process includes controlled automatic spraying and automatic page-turning. The process is an ideal conservation method and a good deacidification method. The deacidification process was strictly controlled in order to achieve ideal effects. The optimum parameters for books having a pH below 5 were set as follows:1) the mass concentration of nano-particulate magnesium oxide was 5%; 2) the pump output flow rate was 10 mL/min and; 3) the air pressure was 0.16 Mpa. The paper properties, residual alkalinity, waterproof characters and particle distribution on the paper after deacidification treatment were tested to evaluate the deacidification method. The results show that the automated deacidification method we developed is safe and effective.

Abstract:Heavenly Creations (Chinese Technology in the Seventeenth Century), by SONG Ying-xing, was published in 1637 during the Ming Dynasty. The book recorded the ancient slaking technique, i.e., “quicklime was exposed to wind and became a powder after long blowing; the lime was sieved and mixed with water to make mortar for masonry”. In order to understand the properties of the lime slaked by wind or air, we studied quicklime with three types of slaking methods. The quicklime was supplied by a conventional high calcium lime production company, which mines the limestone near the border between Zhejiang and Anhui. The limestone was calcined in classical shaft kiln using coal. The quicklime was slaked by three methods:wind, mist spray and water bath. Mineralogical studies show the calcium silicate minerals, such as belite, have been found in both quicklime and limes slaked by wind and mist. The lime slaked by wind has a higher strength but shorter setting time. Its compressive strength can reach 1.5 Mpa in 28 days. The preliminary results show that the performance of lime blown by wind is equivalent to NHL1 or NHL2 of EN 459-3(2015) but has faster setting characteristics. Fast setting can not only shorten construction time but also be very conducive to the applications in humid and cold climates. Both literature and remains/ruins of the Ming Dynasty and earlier constructions should be further studied in order to revitalize the use of this traditional ecological and inorganic material fused with ancient Chinese wisdom for conservation of cultural relics.