Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.009
Sheng Chen , Shangui Hu , Jinxiu Song , Tao Chen , Hanye Xing , Chun Kong
The preservation of cultural heritage is paramount for transmitting our culture, traditions, and ways of thinking and behaving to future generations. Cultural heritage stands as a testament to history, embodying the crystallization of human wisdom. Each artifact and work of art encapsulates information from a specific era. However, conventional cleaning methods often risk damaging cultural heritage during the removal of stains and repair of deterioration, potentially leading to irreversible losses. Hydrogels have garnered significant attention in this field due to their unique properties. As a novel cleaning material, hydrogels demonstrate distinct advantages in cultural heritage cleaning, owing to their gentle nature, strong adsorption capacity, and tunable characteristics. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent advances in the application of hydrogels in this domain. It elaborates on the features of various types of hydrogels, their cleaning mechanisms for different classes of cultural relics and artworks, practical application outcomes, benefits, and limitations, while also offering perspectives on future directions. The objective is to furnish systematic references for cultural heritage conservators and researchers, promote further application and development of hydrogels in heritage cleaning, and contribute to the long-term preservation of precious cultural heritage.
{"title":"Hydrogels for the cleaning of cultural heritage: A review of mechanisms, applications, and future perspectives","authors":"Sheng Chen , Shangui Hu , Jinxiu Song , Tao Chen , Hanye Xing , Chun Kong","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The preservation of cultural heritage is paramount for transmitting our culture, traditions, and ways of thinking and behaving to future generations. Cultural heritage stands as a testament to history, embodying the crystallization of human wisdom. Each artifact and work of art encapsulates information from a specific era. However, conventional cleaning methods often risk damaging cultural heritage during the removal of stains and repair of deterioration, potentially leading to irreversible losses. Hydrogels have garnered significant attention in this field due to their unique properties. As a novel cleaning material, hydrogels demonstrate distinct advantages in cultural heritage cleaning, owing to their gentle nature, strong adsorption capacity, and tunable characteristics. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent advances in the application of hydrogels in this domain. It elaborates on the features of various types of hydrogels, their cleaning mechanisms for different classes of cultural relics and artworks, practical application outcomes, benefits, and limitations, while also offering perspectives on future directions. The objective is to furnish systematic references for cultural heritage conservators and researchers, promote further application and development of hydrogels in heritage cleaning, and contribute to the long-term preservation of precious cultural heritage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 325-340"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145880459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Stone biodeterioration caused by microbial colonisation poses significant challenges to the conservation of cultural heritage. Here, we investigate highly viscous polymeric dispersions (HVPDs) using Origanum vulgare essential oil (EO) and its primary active component, carvacrol, to provide an eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical biocides. The formulations were characterised by rheology, revealing shear-thinning behaviour that facilitates both application and subsequent peeling removal. Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (¹H NMR) provided insights into the chemical interactions and molecular dynamics within the HVPDs. Both HVPDs formulations with EO and carvacrol were applied to remove biofilm from a sandstone surface at Castlelaw, an ancient Iron Age fort in Scotland. Biocidal efficacy was assessed through Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence assays, showing substantial reductions in microbial contamination, and Fourier Transformed infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR ATR) highlighted the removal of biogenic compounds. Both formulations maintained significant antimicrobial activity over two months, suggesting their potential for long-term application in conservation. Overall, this study underscores the viability of HVPDs enriched with natural essential oils as sustainable solutions for microbial biodeterioration in historic stone materials, paving the way for future advancements in conservation practices.
{"title":"Assessment and characterization of Origanum vulgare essential oil in highly viscous polymeric dispersions for cleaning cultural heritage stone materials","authors":"Laura Giuliani , Chiara Genova , Elisa Villani , Valeria Stagno , Luca Paoletti , Ekaterina Oknazova , Alessandro Ciccola , Damiana Magris , Clive Cruickshank , Gabriele Favero , Dave J. Adams , Silvia Capuani","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Stone biodeterioration caused by microbial colonisation poses significant challenges to the conservation of cultural heritage. Here, we investigate highly viscous polymeric dispersions (HVPDs) using <em>Origanum vulgare</em> essential oil (EO) and its primary active component, carvacrol, to provide an eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical biocides. The formulations were characterised by rheology, revealing shear-thinning behaviour that facilitates both application and subsequent peeling removal. Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (¹H NMR) provided insights into the chemical interactions and molecular dynamics within the HVPDs. Both HVPDs formulations with EO and carvacrol were applied to remove biofilm from a sandstone surface at Castlelaw, an ancient Iron Age fort in Scotland. Biocidal efficacy was assessed through Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence assays, showing substantial reductions in microbial contamination, and Fourier Transformed infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR ATR) highlighted the removal of biogenic compounds. Both formulations maintained significant antimicrobial activity over two months, suggesting their potential for long-term application in conservation. Overall, this study underscores the viability of HVPDs enriched with natural essential oils as sustainable solutions for microbial biodeterioration in historic stone materials, paving the way for future advancements in conservation practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 341-350"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145880457","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.006
Mona Konietzny, Alina Klitzke, Ursula Haller
Since its introduction in the early 1970s, BEVA® 371 has become the most common conservation heat-seal adhesive. It is established across various fields and widely used as a lining adhesive for canvas paintings. Its key advantages include flexibility, reversibility, and compatibility with different materials. However, changes in formulation due to unavailable components have led to altered properties, like a rise in its activation temperature, which is crucial for an artwork's safety. Moreover, a new product has just been released. This comprehensive review uniquely synthesizes decades of research, manufacturer information, and original findings, providing the first cohesive overview of BEVA 371′s complex product and formulation history, focusing on material and adhesive properties in its use as an adhesive for canvas bonding. In this, the adhesive's effectiveness highly depends on factors such as activation temperature, application method, and material interactions. As BEVA 371 remains crucial in conservation, precise knowledge of the adhesive's characteristics is essential for assessing past, present, and future BEVA 371 applications that we will encounter in works of art in conservation practice.
{"title":"Long-term proven? Characteristics of the popular conservation heat-seal adhesive BEVA 371 and its modifications: A review","authors":"Mona Konietzny, Alina Klitzke, Ursula Haller","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Since its introduction in the early 1970s, BEVA® 371 has become the most common conservation heat-seal adhesive. It is established across various fields and widely used as a lining adhesive for canvas paintings. Its key advantages include flexibility, reversibility, and compatibility with different materials. However, changes in formulation due to unavailable components have led to altered properties, like a rise in its activation temperature, which is crucial for an artwork's safety. Moreover, a new product has just been released. This comprehensive review uniquely synthesizes decades of research, manufacturer information, and original findings, providing the first cohesive overview of BEVA 371′s complex product and formulation history, focusing on material and adhesive properties in its use as an adhesive for canvas bonding. In this, the adhesive's effectiveness highly depends on factors such as activation temperature, application method, and material interactions. As BEVA 371 remains crucial in conservation, precise knowledge of the adhesive's characteristics is essential for assessing past, present, and future BEVA 371 applications that we will encounter in works of art in conservation practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 391-407"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976211","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.005
Diego A. Ahumada-Forigua , Inés Acevedo , Georgios Magkanas , Teresa Palomar , Paloma Pastor , Javier Saurina , José F. García
Portable X-ray fluorescence (p-XRF) is a powerful, non-destructive tool widely used to analyze cultural heritage objects. However, limitations such as noise, drift, and spectral overlaps may affect the accuracy of elemental identification and quantification. This study presents a comprehensive methodology for processing and analyzing p-XRF spectra, aiming to improve the reliability and accuracy of elemental identification in cultural heritage materials. The methodology incorporates key steps such as spectral alignment, energy calibration, smoothing, drift correction, signal detection, deconvolution, and integration.
The approach was successfully applied to reference materials and historical glass objects from La Real Fábrica de Cristales de La Granja, which exhibit a wide range of elemental concentrations. Furthermore, the methodology was adapted to deal with spectra acquired from various portable XRF instruments, demonstrating broad compatibility. Notable improvements include increased positive and negative predictive values for element identification, especially for challenging low-intensity signals such as Na, Mg, and Al, compared to the direct instrument report. Limits of detection were also established, demonstrating reliability across a range of elements. Key advancements include reduced noise, enhanced linearity (R²), and the preservation of spectral proportionality, ensuring robust and reproducible results. This approach reduces uncertainty in element identification, improves the accuracy in concentration determination and facilitates the use of p-XRF by researchers and conservators. A user-friendly implementation of this procedure, including example datasets and scripts, is provided in the Supplementary Material. Additionally, an interactive Shiny application was included to allow users to perform basic spectral processing in a straightforward and accessible manner.
便携式x射线荧光（p-XRF）是一种功能强大的非破坏性工具，广泛用于分析文物。然而，诸如噪声、漂移和光谱重叠等限制可能会影响元素识别和定量的准确性。本研究提出了一种综合的p-XRF光谱处理和分析方法，旨在提高文化遗产材料元素鉴定的可靠性和准确性。该方法包括关键步骤，如光谱对准，能量校准，平滑，漂移校正，信号检测，反褶积和积分。该方法成功地应用于La Real Fábrica de Cristales de La Granja的参考材料和历史玻璃制品，它们表现出广泛的元素浓度。此外，该方法适用于处理从各种便携式XRF仪器获得的光谱，显示出广泛的兼容性。与直接仪器报告相比，显著的改进包括增加了元素识别的阳性和阴性预测值，特别是对于具有挑战性的低强度信号，如Na， Mg和Al。还建立了检测限，证明了在一系列元素中的可靠性。关键的进步包括降低噪声，增强线性（R²），以及保持光谱比例，确保鲁棒性和可重复性的结果。该方法减少了元素鉴定的不确定度，提高了浓度测定的准确性，便于研究人员和保存人员使用p-XRF。补充材料中提供了该过程的用户友好实现，包括示例数据集和脚本。此外，还包括一个交互式Shiny应用程序，允许用户以简单易懂的方式执行基本的光谱处理。
{"title":"New strategies for portable XRF spectrum processing applied to historical glasses","authors":"Diego A. Ahumada-Forigua , Inés Acevedo , Georgios Magkanas , Teresa Palomar , Paloma Pastor , Javier Saurina , José F. García","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Portable X-ray fluorescence (p-XRF) is a powerful, non-destructive tool widely used to analyze cultural heritage objects. However, limitations such as noise, drift, and spectral overlaps may affect the accuracy of elemental identification and quantification. This study presents a comprehensive methodology for processing and analyzing p-XRF spectra, aiming to improve the reliability and accuracy of elemental identification in cultural heritage materials. The methodology incorporates key steps such as spectral alignment, energy calibration, smoothing, drift correction, signal detection, deconvolution, and integration.</div><div>The approach was successfully applied to reference materials and historical glass objects from La Real Fábrica de Cristales de La Granja, which exhibit a wide range of elemental concentrations. Furthermore, the methodology was adapted to deal with spectra acquired from various portable XRF instruments, demonstrating broad compatibility. Notable improvements include increased positive and negative predictive values for element identification, especially for challenging low-intensity signals such as Na, Mg, and Al, compared to the direct instrument report. Limits of detection were also established, demonstrating reliability across a range of elements. Key advancements include reduced noise, enhanced linearity (R²), and the preservation of spectral proportionality, ensuring robust and reproducible results. This approach reduces uncertainty in element identification, improves the accuracy in concentration determination and facilitates the use of p-XRF by researchers and conservators. A user-friendly implementation of this procedure, including example datasets and scripts, is provided in the Supplementary Material. Additionally, an interactive Shiny application was included to allow users to perform basic spectral processing in a straightforward and accessible manner.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 351-363"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145880460","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.013
Ruth Chércoles Asensio , María Matesanz Benito , Marta Pérez Estébanez , María Higueras , Silvia G. Fernández-Villa , Sonia Santos Gómez , Elena Gómez-Sánchez , y Margarita San Andrés Moya
The accurate identification of polymeric materials used in Cultural Heritage is crucial for ensuring their preservation. Their inherent variability makes the identification and characterization a complex endeavor. Consequently, it is vital to improve identification methods and to deepen the understanding of plastic degradation. A comprehensive approach incorporating reliable reference standards is essential for the precise diagnosis of their state of conservation and to support appropriate intervention strategies and criteria. Furthermore, facilitating the dissemination of these data for practical application within the scientific and professional community is fundamental.
The primary objective of this study is to translate the aforementioned knowledge into a readily accessible resource in the form of a reference database providing a framework for the identification and conservation of polymeric heritage items and artistic production and assisting in the study of existing products on the market.
This research systematically analyses 50 widely used materials processed under the same conditions provided by The ResinKit™. The polymers were characterized using a range of analytical methods, including optical microscopy, spectrocolorimetry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR-FTIR), and Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). The samples were then subjected to artificial aging under controlled conditions of radiation (Xenon-Arc chamber for 1080 h), temperature and humidity (Climate test chambers for 840 h). The evaluation of the results was undertaken by repeating the series of previous tests and comparing them with the pre-aging analytical data.
The final step was to integrate all the results into a freely accessible online database that compiles all the information providing controlled reference standards for analyses of cultural artifacts and commercially available polymeric materials, thereby facilitating research in laboratories dedicated to the study of these materials within the context of fine arts and heritage conservation.
This paper analyses, as a case study, key heritage polymer families: polyvinyl chlorides (PVCs) and cellulose acetates (CAs).
{"title":"Multianalytical approach to the study of polymeric materials under artificial aging: Reference database","authors":"Ruth Chércoles Asensio , María Matesanz Benito , Marta Pérez Estébanez , María Higueras , Silvia G. Fernández-Villa , Sonia Santos Gómez , Elena Gómez-Sánchez , y Margarita San Andrés Moya","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.013","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.013","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The accurate identification of polymeric materials used in Cultural Heritage is crucial for ensuring their preservation. Their inherent variability makes the identification and characterization a complex endeavor. Consequently, it is vital to improve identification methods and to deepen the understanding of plastic degradation. A comprehensive approach incorporating reliable reference standards is essential for the precise diagnosis of their state of conservation and to support appropriate intervention strategies and criteria. Furthermore, facilitating the dissemination of these data for practical application within the scientific and professional community is fundamental.</div><div>The primary objective of this study is to translate the aforementioned knowledge into a readily accessible resource in the form of a reference database providing a framework for the identification and conservation of polymeric heritage items and artistic production and assisting in the study of existing products on the market.</div><div>This research systematically analyses 50 widely used materials processed under the same conditions provided by The ResinKit™. The polymers were characterized using a range of analytical methods, including optical microscopy, spectrocolorimetry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR-FTIR), and Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). The samples were then subjected to artificial aging under controlled conditions of radiation (Xenon-Arc chamber for 1080 h), temperature and humidity (Climate test chambers for 840 h). The evaluation of the results was undertaken by repeating the series of previous tests and comparing them with the pre-aging analytical data.</div><div>The final step was to integrate all the results into a freely accessible online database that compiles all the information providing controlled reference standards for analyses of cultural artifacts and commercially available polymeric materials, thereby facilitating research in laboratories dedicated to the study of these materials within the context of fine arts and heritage conservation.</div><div>This paper analyses, as a case study, key heritage polymer families: polyvinyl chlorides (PVCs) and cellulose acetates (CAs).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 439-452"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976213","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of hydraulic erosion degradation in Enzyme-Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (EICP)-treated earthen site soil, with a specific focus on the Zhouqiao earthen site in Kaifeng. After conducting dry-wet (DW) cycles, tests were performed on matric suction, shear strength, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) on the improved soils at various concentrations of cementation solution (CS) ranging from 0 to 1.5 mol/L. Changes in hydraulic and strength properties before and after the DW cycles were measured. Detailed SEM and MIP analyses comparing microstructural evolution at different CS concentrations indicated that as CS concentration increases, matric suction, internal friction angle, cohesion, and shear strength initially rise and subsequently decline, with optimal performance observed at 1.0 mol/L. Based on the microanalytical data, we propose a model that describes the interaction among the calcium carbonate, water, and soil particle phases. Furthermore, using a modified Moore–Cullen model that incorporates the effects of matric suction, we propose a mechanism for strength deterioration in EICP-treated soils under varying water content conditions.
{"title":"Analysis of strength characteristics of EICP-treated earthen site soil considering matric suction effects","authors":"Jianwei Zhang , Chenhao Xie , Yue Dong , Junjie Zheng , Yu Song , Guilin Sheng","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of hydraulic erosion degradation in Enzyme-Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (EICP)-treated earthen site soil, with a specific focus on the Zhouqiao earthen site in Kaifeng. After conducting dry-wet (DW) cycles, tests were performed on matric suction, shear strength, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) on the improved soils at various concentrations of cementation solution (CS) ranging from 0 to 1.5 mol/L. Changes in hydraulic and strength properties before and after the DW cycles were measured. Detailed SEM and MIP analyses comparing microstructural evolution at different CS concentrations indicated that as CS concentration increases, matric suction, internal friction angle, cohesion, and shear strength initially rise and subsequently decline, with optimal performance observed at 1.0 mol/L. Based on the microanalytical data, we propose a model that describes the interaction among the calcium carbonate, water, and soil particle phases. Furthermore, using a modified Moore–Cullen model that incorporates the effects of matric suction, we propose a mechanism for strength deterioration in EICP-treated soils under varying water content conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 364-378"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145880458","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.011
Huimei Zhu , Shaoqing Bai , Shiyu Shao , Jiani Chen , Hui Li
As consolidating materials for the weathered surface of earthen heritage, Ca/Si (CS) and Ca/Mg/Si (CMS) cementing suspensions were prepared to comparatively investigate their particle stability, penetration, reinforcement efficacy, and resistance to weathering. The CMS system exhibits a “bimodal distribution dominated by micro-nano particles” in particle size, contributing to the enhanced stability of its suspension, as evidenced by the minimal concentration gradient change observed during static conditions. Furthermore, the formation of nano-scale spherical M-S-H gel within the CMS system facilitates its penetration into porous matrices. In comparison to CS, CMS suspensions demonstrate a 13∼15% increase in penetration depth and a 58∼69% expansion in diffusion area. Consequently, soil matrices reinforced with CMS suspensions exhibit improved surface hardness, water erosion resistance, and resilience against complex environmental degradation. These findings highlight the CMS system as a promising choice for the conservation and reinforcement of porous earthen structures.
{"title":"Consolidating and penetrating mechanisms of Ca/Mg/Si suspensions in treating earthen heritage surface","authors":"Huimei Zhu , Shaoqing Bai , Shiyu Shao , Jiani Chen , Hui Li","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As consolidating materials for the weathered surface of earthen heritage, Ca/Si (CS) and Ca/Mg/Si (CMS) cementing suspensions were prepared to comparatively investigate their particle stability, penetration, reinforcement efficacy, and resistance to weathering. The CMS system exhibits a “bimodal distribution dominated by micro-nano particles” in particle size, contributing to the enhanced stability of its suspension, as evidenced by the minimal concentration gradient change observed during static conditions. Furthermore, the formation of nano-scale spherical M-S-H gel within the CMS system facilitates its penetration into porous matrices. In comparison to CS, CMS suspensions demonstrate a 13∼15% increase in penetration depth and a 58∼69% expansion in diffusion area. Consequently, soil matrices reinforced with CMS suspensions exhibit improved surface hardness, water erosion resistance, and resilience against complex environmental degradation. These findings highlight the CMS system as a promising choice for the conservation and reinforcement of porous earthen structures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 429-438"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976184","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.017
T. Venkatachalam , J.C. Day , S. Jain , W. Megarry , C. Cameron , S.F. Heron
Climate change is ubiquitous and progressively more evident than other threats, affecting all types of World Heritage. However, comprehensive assessments of climate impacts upon all individual heritage properties are improbable given the extent and urgency of the challenge. Grouping properties by their similar values, common threats and/or geographic co-location is one approach to accelerate the evaluation of climate risk. This paper develops and demonstrates a thematic analysis methodology for grouping properties into themes and sub-themes based upon their similar cultural heritage characteristics. Defining thematically representative groups of properties can inform and facilitate assessments of climate vulnerability of properties with similar values, as well as enabling strategic networks of site managers whose responsibilities include managing similar threats. The Indian Subcontinent was selected for this analysis due to the variety of cultural World Heritage properties spread over a range of natural settings and climatic regions. The 49 properties analysed include some that are widely recognised (e.g., Taj Mahal, Red Fort Complex), as well as other lesser known but no less significant cultural locations. The framework developed here is a valuable standalone tool for decision making providing a practical management strategy that can aid policy and practice; however, it also contributes to a broader understanding of the climate vulnerability and risk to cultural heritage. Eight cultural thematic groups developed here were standardised and validated against existing international cultural heritage categories to ensure transferability to other geographical and heritage regions. Within these, 71 sub-themes were identified that reflect region-specific heritage aspects. Beyond climate-change applications, the thematic framework and outcomes have potential to influence heritage management more broadly.
{"title":"Thematic analysis and characterisation to support climate vulnerability assessments of cultural World Heritage","authors":"T. Venkatachalam , J.C. Day , S. Jain , W. Megarry , C. Cameron , S.F. Heron","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.017","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.017","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Climate change is ubiquitous and progressively more evident than other threats, affecting all types of World Heritage. However, comprehensive assessments of climate impacts upon all individual heritage properties are improbable given the extent and urgency of the challenge. Grouping properties by their similar values, common threats and/or geographic co-location is one approach to accelerate the evaluation of climate risk. This paper develops and demonstrates a thematic analysis methodology for grouping properties into themes and sub-themes based upon their similar cultural heritage characteristics. Defining thematically representative groups of properties can inform and facilitate assessments of climate vulnerability of properties with similar values, as well as enabling strategic networks of site managers whose responsibilities include managing similar threats. The Indian Subcontinent was selected for this analysis due to the variety of cultural World Heritage properties spread over a range of natural settings and climatic regions. The 49 properties analysed include some that are widely recognised (e.g., Taj Mahal, Red Fort Complex), as well as other lesser known but no less significant cultural locations. The framework developed here is a valuable standalone tool for decision making providing a practical management strategy that can aid policy and practice; however, it also contributes to a broader understanding of the climate vulnerability and risk to cultural heritage. Eight cultural thematic groups developed here were standardised and validated against existing international cultural heritage categories to ensure transferability to other geographical and heritage regions. Within these, 71 sub-themes were identified that reflect region-specific heritage aspects. Beyond climate-change applications, the thematic framework and outcomes have potential to influence heritage management more broadly.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 315-324"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145880453","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.012
Anna Nualart-Torroja , Àfrica Pitarch Martí , Iris Bautista-Morenilla , Manuel Ángel Iglesias-Campos
Mechanical methods used for cleaning unpolychromed wooden heritage in conservation-restoration rely on procedures that entail pressure and friction, potentially leading to erosion or material loss on the treated surface. In addition, certain methods, such as the use of sponges or erasers, very often leave residues that could affect the long-term conservation of wood due to their chemical composition.
The aim of this work is to assess the feasibility of using microblasting with powdered lignocellulosic particles for cleaning unpolychromed wood on a heritage artwork. The investigation aims to evaluate the advantages and drawbacks of this technique as a sensitive and sustainable alternative to the most common techniques used by conservator-restorers for unpolychromed wood cleaning. The cleaning results of microblasting of lignocellulosic particles are qualitatively compared to those achieved by traditional dry-cleaning techniques on wood.
This study is based on previous research that examined the effects of this technique on non-heritage wooden samples using hazelnut and almond shells, cork and pure cellulose powdered particles. The investigation aimed to assess potential morphological surface changes and to determine the degree of cleaning qualitatively without causing damage to the wood surface. Additionally, the study allowed the development of a cleaning protocol by selecting the specific particle size, and by adjusting pressure, angle, distance and time to surface soiling characteristics and wood typology according to the limited bibliographic references available.
From these results, tests were conducted on the back side of a wooden joint cover dating back to between the 14th and 16th centuries from one of the ceilings of the Monastery of Santa María de Pedralbes. The joint cover was weakened and affected by fungi and woodworm after centuries of outdoor climate exposure.
To evaluate the cleaning efficiency and the resulting effects on wood, the surface was analysed by digital optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy before and after cleaning. Star diagrams were also made to assess the fulfilment of the cleaning criteria selected for the study.
Results indicate that when the technique is applied properly, an appropriate cleaning level can be achieved without compromising the fragile treated surface and with negligible presence of residues. Therefore, this approach emerges as a promising and environmentally friendly technique, respectful to the integrity of the heritage wooden artworks.
在保护修复中，用于清洁非彩色木材遗产的机械方法依赖于需要压力和摩擦的程序，可能导致处理表面的侵蚀或材料损失。此外，某些方法，例如使用海绵或橡皮擦，由于其化学成分，往往会留下可能影响木材长期保存的残留物。这项工作的目的是评估使用粉末状木质纤维素颗粒的微爆破清理文物艺术品上的非彩色木材的可行性。调查的目的是评估这种技术的优点和缺点，作为一种敏感的和可持续的替代最常用的技术，由保护-修复用于非多色木材清洁。木质纤维素颗粒的微爆破清洗结果与传统的木材干洗技术进行了定性比较。这项研究基于先前的研究，该研究检验了这种技术对使用榛子和杏仁壳、软木和纯纤维素粉末颗粒的非遗产木制样品的影响。该调查旨在评估潜在的形态学表面变化，并定性地确定清洁程度，而不会对木材表面造成损害。此外，该研究允许通过选择特定粒径，并根据有限的参考书目调整压力、角度、距离和时间来确定表面污染特征和木材类型，从而制定清洁方案。根据这些结果，对一个木制接头盖的背面进行了测试，该接头盖可以追溯到14世纪到16世纪之间，来自圣塔修道院María de Pedralbes的一个天花板。经过几个世纪的户外气候暴露，接缝覆盖被真菌和木蠕虫削弱并受到影响。为了评估清洁效率和对木材的影响，在清洁前后用数码光学显微镜和扫描电子显微镜对木材表面进行了分析。还制作了星图，以评估为研究选择的清洁标准的实现情况。结果表明，当该技术应用得当时，可以达到适当的清洁水平，而不会损害易碎的处理表面，并且残留物可以忽略不计。因此，这种方法作为一种有前途的环保技术出现，尊重传统木制艺术品的完整性。
{"title":"Microblasting of powdered lignocellulosic particles: Cleaning of a wooden joint cover of a medieval coffered ceiling","authors":"Anna Nualart-Torroja , Àfrica Pitarch Martí , Iris Bautista-Morenilla , Manuel Ángel Iglesias-Campos","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mechanical methods used for cleaning unpolychromed wooden heritage in conservation-restoration rely on procedures that entail pressure and friction, potentially leading to erosion or material loss on the treated surface. In addition, certain methods, such as the use of sponges or erasers, very often leave residues that could affect the long-term conservation of wood due to their chemical composition.</div><div>The aim of this work is to assess the feasibility of using microblasting with powdered lignocellulosic particles for cleaning unpolychromed wood on a heritage artwork. The investigation aims to evaluate the advantages and drawbacks of this technique as a sensitive and sustainable alternative to the most common techniques used by conservator-restorers for unpolychromed wood cleaning. The cleaning results of microblasting of lignocellulosic particles are qualitatively compared to those achieved by traditional dry-cleaning techniques on wood.</div><div>This study is based on previous research that examined the effects of this technique on non-heritage wooden samples using hazelnut and almond shells, cork and pure cellulose powdered particles. The investigation aimed to assess potential morphological surface changes and to determine the degree of cleaning qualitatively without causing damage to the wood surface. Additionally, the study allowed the development of a cleaning protocol by selecting the specific particle size, and by adjusting pressure, angle, distance and time to surface soiling characteristics and wood typology according to the limited bibliographic references available.</div><div>From these results, tests were conducted on the back side of a wooden joint cover dating back to between the 14th and 16th centuries from one of the ceilings of the Monastery of Santa María de Pedralbes. The joint cover was weakened and affected by fungi and woodworm after centuries of outdoor climate exposure.</div><div>To evaluate the cleaning efficiency and the resulting effects on wood, the surface was analysed by digital optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy before and after cleaning. Star diagrams were also made to assess the fulfilment of the cleaning criteria selected for the study.</div><div>Results indicate that when the technique is applied properly, an appropriate cleaning level can be achieved without compromising the fragile treated surface and with negligible presence of residues. Therefore, this approach emerges as a promising and environmentally friendly technique, respectful to the integrity of the heritage wooden artworks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 379-390"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145880481","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.014
Zhiwei Liu , Ji Zhou , Guoyue Yang , Sheng Xiong
Microbial colonization and biodeterioration pose persistent threats to the integrity and aesthetics of brick and stone cultural heritage. To address these challenges, this review provides a comprehensive synthesis of antimicrobial strategies, ranging from conventional nanomaterials and natural products to emerging frontier approaches such as composite systems, superhydrophobic antimicrobial coatings, ionic liquid-based treatments, and green synthetic formulations. The study systematically integrates diverse antimicrobial mechanisms and emphasizes the translation gap between laboratory efficacy and real-world conservation practice. Special attention is given to multifunctional and environmentally responsive systems, which offer the potential to combine antibacterial activity with self-cleaning, controlled release, and durability enhancement. We further identify critical limitations, such as short-lived efficacy, ecological risks, and challenges in large-scale application—and highlight innovative solutions including encapsulation technologies, material hybridization, and sustainable synthesis routes. The study not only provides theoretical guidance but also proposes technical pathways for the sustainable protection of masonry heritage.
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