Publications
Green Alternatives for Archaeological Iron Stabilization
Petrasz, P., Zhioua, S., James, S., Bindschedler, S., Junier, P., & Joseph, E. (2024). Green Alternatives for Archaeological Iron Stabilization. Studies in Conservation, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/00393630.2024.2336880
ABSTRACT
One of the most challenging types of artifact occurring within museum collections is unstable chloride-contaminated archaeological iron. A high chloride concentration causes cracking, flaking and leads to full mineralization, in effect making objects fragile. Consequently, removal of chloride ions plays a key role in stabilization treatment, while preserving the integrity of the corroded iron object. Despite the variety of stabilization methods, all have significant disadvantages, including a lack of sustainability. Within the framework of the Horizon Europe project GoGreen the potential of microbial biosorption to stabilize archaeological iron artefacts is being investigated. Dry biomass of the fungi Meyerozyma sp. and Saccharomyces cerevisiae was studied to remove chloride ions. Preliminary tests were carried out on artificially-aged steel samples. To assess the activities of the microorganisms’ functional groups and biosorption capabilities as a potential green stabilization treatment, analytical techniques including FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and SEM-EDX were used. The results demonstrate two promising paths for the development of green stabilization treatments based on fungal biomass: passive adsorption into the cell wall and conversion of reactive corrosion products into more stable compounds. The use of microbial biomass opens up promising perspectives for the development of more sustainable solutions in archaeological iron stabilization, while avoiding the generation of toxic waste in our environment.
Microporous electrospun nonwovens combined with green solvents for the selective peel-off of thin coatings from painting surfaces
Ramacciotti, F., Sciutto, G., Cazals, L., Biagini, D., Reale, S., Degano, I., Focarete, M.L., Mazzeo, R., Thoury, M., Bertrand, L., Gualandi, C. & Prati, S. (2024). Microporous electrospun nonwovens combined with green solvents for the selective peel-off of thin coatings from painting surfaces. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 663, 869-879.
ABSTRACT
Over the last few decades, significant research efforts have been devoted to developing new cleaning systems aimed at preserving cultural heritage. One of the main objectives is to selectively remove aged or undesirable coatings from painted surfaces while preventing the cleaning solvent from permeating and engaging with the pictorial layers. In this work, we propose the use of electrospun polyamide 6,6 nonwovens in conjunction with a green solvent (dimethyl carbonate). By adjusting the electrospinning parameters, we produced three distinct nonwovens with varying average fiber diameters, ranging from 0.4 μm to 2 μm. These samples were characterized and tested for their efficacy in removing dammar varnish from painted surfaces. In particular, the cleaning process was monitored using macroscale PL (photoluminescence) imaging in real-time, while post-application examination of the mats was performed through scanning electron microscopy. The solvent evaporation rate from the different nonwovens was evaluated using gravimetric analysis and Proton Transfer Reaction- Time-of-Flight. It was observed that the application of the nonwovens with small or intermediate pore sizes for the removal of the terpenic varnish resulted in the swollen resin being absorbed into the mats, showcasing a peel-off effect. Thus, this protocol eliminates the need for further potentially detrimental removal procedures involving cotton swabs. The experimental data suggests that the peel-off effect relates to the microporosity of the mats, which enhances the capillary rise of the swollen varnish. Furthermore, the application of these systems to historical paintings underwent preliminary validation using a real painting from the 20th century.
Calculating the Carbon Footprint of Interventive and Preventive Conservation at English Heritage, UK
Tate-Harte, A., & Thickett, D. (2024). Calculating the Carbon Footprint of Interventive and Preventive Conservation at English Heritage, UK. Studies in Conservation, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/00393630.2024.2336814
ABSTRACT
English Heritage (EH) is a large cultural heritage organisation, which cares for 1million artefacts over 136 sites. Preventive conservators and conservation scientists manage a mixture of controlled and uncontrolled historic site environments housing diverse object types. Two fine art conservators manage treatment programmes for easel and wall paintings, gilded frames and gilded furniture. Other objects are managed by preventive conservators and outsourced to private conservation studios for treatment. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important part of the conservation team's agenda. Measuring and understanding the carbon impact of both the preventive and interventive conservators’ work was an important starting point for creating more sustainable solutions. To create a baseline for future monitoring and carbon reduction, carbon footprint studies were undertaken to evaluate the carbon impact of interventive painting conservation treatments; preventive conservation framing (adapting frames and making microclimates for displaying paintings in non-ideal environments); and running conservation (humidistatic) heating vs air conditioning systems in display rooms.
Analysis of Salts and Clays for Conservation of Porous Cultural Heritage
Thickett, D. (2023). Analysis of Salts and Clays for Conservation of Porous Cultural Heritage. Applied Sciences, 13(22), 12434.
ABSTRACT
Soluble salts and clays are major intrinsic causes of degradation of porous cultural heritage materials. Identifying their presence and concentrations can allow environmental control to prevent decay before it is observed. Such control is often energy- and carbon-intensive and better targeted towards those objects that require it rather than a general approach. The use of poultices has been investigated to determine salt species and concentrations in stone to replace drilling samples. A non-invasive method using two types of moisture meter has been developed to map the conductivity of salt solutions in stone. Fourier transform and near-infrared spectroscopies have been investigated to non-invasively quantify the amount of muscovite clay in limestones without the need to take drilled samples. Salts can react with extrinsic acetic acid from display and storage environments, causing extensive damaging surface efflorescences. A rapid analytical procedure based on external reflectance Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) microscopy has been developed. This allows analysis of multiple salts on a cuneiform tablet surface. Analyses of soluble salts inside the tablets has indicated the sulphate-to-chloride ratio is a good predictor of whether mixed acetate efflorescences will occur on exposure.
Presentations
Presentation of Katrien Keune (UvA/Rijksmuseum) at CHEMCH 2024, where she presented the overall goals of GoGreen: "The GoGreen project: Developments of Green Technologies for Preventive and Remedial Conservation Practics".
