Pub Date : 2025-11-13DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.010
Bei He , Junli Ren , Daodao Hu , Pujun Jin , Huiping Xing , Meiming Zhao
Hydrophilic cellulose derivatives have been widely used in the reinforcement of aged paper documents, but their impact on the durability of treated paper has not received sufficient attention. In this work, hydrophilic cationic cellulose (CMCC) and alkyl ketene dimer grafted cationic cellulose (AKD-g-CMCC) were used for comparative evaluation of anti-aging performance of treated acidified paper. The results indicate that CMCC treatment can more effectively improve the mechanical properties of acidified paper in the initial stage, but its wet-heat aging resistance is inferior to AKD-g-CMCC treatment. This is because hydrophilic CMCC is more prone to moisture absorption and oxidation in humid and heat environments, which further accelerating the oxidation and acid hydrolysis rates of cellulose in its reinforced paper. After AKD grafting, the alkyl chain segments form hydrophobic interfaces, effectively reducing the moisture absorption and oxidation of CMCC in high humidity environments. Moreover, it also strengthens the surface hydrophobicity and reduces air permeability of the treated paper, delaying the oxidation and acid hydrolysis rates of cellulose in acidified paper by blocking the invasion of water and oxygen. Therefore, this study will provide important references for the selection of reinforcement materials for paper documents.
{"title":"Hydrophobic interface delaying wet-heat aging of acidified paper by reducing oxidation and acid hydrolysis rates of cellulose","authors":"Bei He , Junli Ren , Daodao Hu , Pujun Jin , Huiping Xing , Meiming Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hydrophilic cellulose derivatives have been widely used in the reinforcement of aged paper documents, but their impact on the durability of treated paper has not received sufficient attention. In this work, hydrophilic cationic cellulose (CMCC) and alkyl ketene dimer grafted cationic cellulose (AKD-g-CMCC) were used for comparative evaluation of anti-aging performance of treated acidified paper. The results indicate that CMCC treatment can more effectively improve the mechanical properties of acidified paper in the initial stage, but its wet-heat aging resistance is inferior to AKD-g-CMCC treatment. This is because hydrophilic CMCC is more prone to moisture absorption and oxidation in humid and heat environments, which further accelerating the oxidation and acid hydrolysis rates of cellulose in its reinforced paper. After AKD grafting, the alkyl chain segments form hydrophobic interfaces, effectively reducing the moisture absorption and oxidation of CMCC in high humidity environments. Moreover, it also strengthens the surface hydrophobicity and reduces air permeability of the treated paper, delaying the oxidation and acid hydrolysis rates of cellulose in acidified paper by blocking the invasion of water and oxygen. Therefore, this study will provide important references for the selection of reinforcement materials for paper documents.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 26-36"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145527592","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 : 2025-11-12DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.026
Xuening Wang , Youzhen Cai , Qinglin Ma , Fenghao Wen , Liang Qu , Linlin Li , Zhimin Li
Virtual reconstruction of color-faded painting on bronze mirrors relies on limited information. Existing techniques face significant difficulties in the recognition and reconstruction of missing patterns at both structural and iconographic levels. Painting on bronze in burial environments is prone to decay, fading, contamination, and corrosion, leading to defective areas. Reconstruction of patterns is crucial for archeology and art history. Moreover, the complex and irregular patterns of painting pose a further challenge. A method is proposed to resolve these issues. Concretely, pigment types, particle sizes, painting stratigraphy and technique were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy; these data were used to re-create the original color palette of the painting. The exact distribution of each pigment and the color patterns were ascertained by macroscopic X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging to re-create the line drawing. Digital coloring of the line drawing with palette values virtually reconstructs the original colors and appearance of the painting on the bronze mirrors under ideal conditions. The study demonstrates improvements in the faithful reproduction of the original colors on painted bronze and provides new perspectives for the study of painted bronzes.
{"title":"Virtual reconstruction on original color of color-faded painting on bronze mirrors supported by non-destructive spectroscopic techniques","authors":"Xuening Wang , Youzhen Cai , Qinglin Ma , Fenghao Wen , Liang Qu , Linlin Li , Zhimin Li","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.026","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.026","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Virtual reconstruction of color-faded painting on bronze mirrors relies on limited information. Existing techniques face significant difficulties in the recognition and reconstruction of missing patterns at both structural and iconographic levels. Painting on bronze in burial environments is prone to decay, fading, contamination, and corrosion, leading to defective areas. Reconstruction of patterns is crucial for archeology and art history. Moreover, the complex and irregular patterns of painting pose a further challenge. A method is proposed to resolve these issues. Concretely, pigment types, particle sizes, painting stratigraphy and technique were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy; these data were used to re-create the original color palette of the painting. The exact distribution of each pigment and the color patterns were ascertained by macroscopic X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging to re-create the line drawing. Digital coloring of the line drawing with palette values virtually reconstructs the original colors and appearance of the painting on the bronze mirrors under ideal conditions. The study demonstrates improvements in the faithful reproduction of the original colors on painted bronze and provides new perspectives for the study of painted bronzes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145493116","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 : 2025-11-12DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.025
Ximan Wang , Lu Wang , Zixuan Wang , Yan Liu , Fuwei Yang , Kun Zhang , Manli Sun , Yunxia Shen , Xiaoqin Yan
Gypsum mortar was widely used in many historic constructions. However, it is easy to be corroded by water from rain or damp. For the purpose of both surface protection and integral consolidation of the weathering gypsum mortar, a novel conservation method was explored in this study. The strategy is introducing the solutions of calcium hydroxy glycolate and diammonium hydrogen phosphate into the gypsum mortar one by one. X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy were employed to study the action mechanism of the method. Mechanical strength, compatibility and weather resistance tests were used to investigate the protective performance. The highly positive results show that the proposed method has a broad prospect in the conservation of the gypsum mortar in the historical buildings.
{"title":"Two birds with one stone: The method for both surface protection and integral reinforcement of gypsum mortar in historic constructions","authors":"Ximan Wang , Lu Wang , Zixuan Wang , Yan Liu , Fuwei Yang , Kun Zhang , Manli Sun , Yunxia Shen , Xiaoqin Yan","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.025","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.025","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gypsum mortar was widely used in many historic constructions. However, it is easy to be corroded by water from rain or damp. For the purpose of both surface protection and integral consolidation of the weathering gypsum mortar, a novel conservation method was explored in this study. The strategy is introducing the solutions of calcium hydroxy glycolate and diammonium hydrogen phosphate into the gypsum mortar one by one. X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy were employed to study the action mechanism of the method. Mechanical strength, compatibility and weather resistance tests were used to investigate the protective performance. The highly positive results show that the proposed method has a broad prospect in the conservation of the gypsum mortar in the historical buildings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 15-25"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145493115","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 : 2025-11-12DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.014
Ming Wu , Zhenzhen Ma , Zhang He , Jinghan Ding , Xichen Zhao , Encarnacion Ruiz-Agudo , Carlos Rodriguez-Navarro , Jinmeng Zhu , Xuanhua Li
Mural paintings reflect valuable spiritual and cultural achievements of human civilizations and serve as crucial evidence for studying ancient customs, rituals, and clothing. However, deterioration of the mural plaster layer results in a decrease in the mural’s mechanical strength, thus posing a serious threat to its preservation. Nanolime (NL) is currently one of the most widely studied inorganic nanomaterials for the consolidation of cultural heritage in general, and mural paintings in particular, due to its excellent compatibility. However, there is limited research on the application of NL for consolidating the plaster layer of mural paintings. Here, we focus on ancient tomb mural paintings (ca. 1000 CE), investigating the consolidation performance of NL for its plaster layer. NL is homogeneously synthesized in the presence of additives and subjected to size-selection through centrifugation, yielding a narrowly distributed particle size of ∼40 nm—markedly smaller than the ∼180 nm obtained without centrifugation (NL-C). This novel NL is subsequently applied to the plaster layer of the tomb mural exhibiting limited impact on its pore structure and good penetration depth (1.2∼3.5 mm), which is significantly deeper than that observed in samples consolidated with NL-C (∼1 mm). More importantly, after consolidation with NL, the surface hardness of the plaster layer increases by ∼56 %, and the surface weight loss decreases by ∼67 %, demonstrating an effective consolidation performance. This study provides technical and methodological support for the application of NL in the preservation of ancient tomb murals.
{"title":"Consolidating tomb mural plaster layer with nanolime","authors":"Ming Wu , Zhenzhen Ma , Zhang He , Jinghan Ding , Xichen Zhao , Encarnacion Ruiz-Agudo , Carlos Rodriguez-Navarro , Jinmeng Zhu , Xuanhua Li","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.014","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.014","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mural paintings reflect valuable spiritual and cultural achievements of human civilizations and serve as crucial evidence for studying ancient customs, rituals, and clothing. However, deterioration of the mural plaster layer results in a decrease in the mural’s mechanical strength, thus posing a serious threat to its preservation. Nanolime (NL) is currently one of the most widely studied inorganic nanomaterials for the consolidation of cultural heritage in general, and mural paintings in particular, due to its excellent compatibility. However, there is limited research on the application of NL for consolidating the plaster layer of mural paintings. Here, we focus on ancient tomb mural paintings (ca. 1000 CE), investigating the consolidation performance of NL for its plaster layer. NL is homogeneously synthesized in the presence of additives and subjected to size-selection through centrifugation, yielding a narrowly distributed particle size of ∼40 nm—markedly smaller than the ∼180 nm obtained without centrifugation (NL-C). This novel NL is subsequently applied to the plaster layer of the tomb mural exhibiting limited impact on its pore structure and good penetration depth (1.2∼3.5 mm), which is significantly deeper than that observed in samples consolidated with NL-C (∼1 mm). More importantly, after consolidation with NL, the surface hardness of the plaster layer increases by ∼56 %, and the surface weight loss decreases by ∼67 %, demonstrating an effective consolidation performance. This study provides technical and methodological support for the application of NL in the preservation of ancient tomb murals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 7-14"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145493117","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 : 2025-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.003
Alice Dal Fovo , Laura Maestro-Guijarro , Paula María Carmona-Quiroga , Raffaella Fontana , Francesca Rosi , Martina Alunni Cardinali , Aldo Romani , Lucia Comez , Cristiano Riminesi , Magdalena Iwanicka , Piotr Targowski , Magdalena Kowalska , Aggelos Philippidis , Paraskevi Pouli , Marta Castillejo , Mohamed Oujja
Preventing varnish degradation is a major challenge in painting conservation. Despite extensive research, the mechanisms behind varnish alteration are not yet fully understood due to the complexity of the concurrent processes involved. Moreover, the extent to which organic and inorganic pigments, dispersed in various binding media within the paint substrate, influence this process remains unclear. Due to this complexity, detecting early signs of varnish degradation is a crucial step in protecting the underlying painting from irreversible damage.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of thermo-hygrometric and photochemical ageing at both surface and subsurface levels on natural (dammar resin) and synthetic (acrylic resin) coatings. These were analysed both as standalone layers and in combination with oil paint materials containing two common inorganic pigments: titanium dioxide and yellow ochre. A comprehensive suite of complementary, non-invasive techniques, spanning nano- to macroscale resolution, was employed. This optimized monitoring protocol, with potential in situ applicability, enabled high-resolution mapping of varnish degradation patterns, elucidating the complex interplay between compositional factors, environmental ageing conditions, and substrate-paint interactions.
This study establishes a robust framework for evaluating material stability through the identification of early degradation markers, which can directly inform conservation strategies for painted artworks. Furthermore, it provides scientific support for varnish selection criteria, condition assessment protocols, and predictive conservation models.
{"title":"Ageing-induced changes in varnish-coated oil paints: Surface and subsurface multi-technical analysis","authors":"Alice Dal Fovo , Laura Maestro-Guijarro , Paula María Carmona-Quiroga , Raffaella Fontana , Francesca Rosi , Martina Alunni Cardinali , Aldo Romani , Lucia Comez , Cristiano Riminesi , Magdalena Iwanicka , Piotr Targowski , Magdalena Kowalska , Aggelos Philippidis , Paraskevi Pouli , Marta Castillejo , Mohamed Oujja","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Preventing varnish degradation is a major challenge in painting conservation. Despite extensive research, the mechanisms behind varnish alteration are not yet fully understood due to the complexity of the concurrent processes involved. Moreover, the extent to which organic and inorganic pigments, dispersed in various binding media within the paint substrate, influence this process remains unclear. Due to this complexity, detecting early signs of varnish degradation is a crucial step in protecting the underlying painting from irreversible damage.</div><div>This study aimed to evaluate the effects of thermo-hygrometric and photochemical ageing <img> at both surface and subsurface levels <img> on natural (dammar resin) and synthetic (acrylic resin) coatings. These were analysed both as standalone layers and in combination with oil paint materials containing two common inorganic pigments: titanium dioxide and yellow ochre. A comprehensive suite of complementary, non-invasive techniques, spanning nano- to macroscale resolution, was employed. This optimized monitoring protocol, with potential in situ applicability, enabled high-resolution mapping of varnish degradation patterns, elucidating the complex interplay between compositional factors, environmental ageing conditions, and substrate-paint interactions.</div><div>This study establishes a robust framework for evaluating material stability through the identification of early degradation markers, which can directly inform conservation strategies for painted artworks. Furthermore, it provides scientific support for varnish selection criteria, condition assessment protocols, and predictive conservation models.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"76 ","pages":"Pages 263-276"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145416511","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 : 2025-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.002
Mingcan Cao , Jingjing Wu , Zhenpei Liu , Zhuocheng Wei , Qu−ao Li , Junxia Yuan , Xuegang Liu , Lixia Yang
This work aims at developing a mild yet efficient quaternary rust conversion to address the challenges during the restoration of the Yuquan Iron Pagoda, such as “bone rust” growing in the generated pores due to mechanical rust removal, and hard−to−remove rust in concealed areas. The rusted antique cast iron with highly−simulated Yuquan Iron Pagoda was firstly prepared, the microstructure, surface characteristics and electrochemical performance of rust layers treated with different ratios of tannic acid, phosphate, molybdate and acetic acid were studied in detail, and the optimum formula was determined based on orthogonal experiments analysis. The results showed that the composition proportion of conversion system exerted a significant influence on the properties of rust layers. The converted rust layers mainly consisting of ferric tannate and phosphate exhibited markedly improved density accompany the reduction of harmful rust dominated by γ−FeOOH, thus effectively blocking the penetration of corrosive ions with water contact angle increasing by up to 18.75° and surface roughness decreasing. The significant improvement in electrochemical performance was manifested as elevated impedance and reduced corrosion current density, achieving corrosion inhibition efficiency up to 94.9 %. The conversion mechanism and interaction among components were also proposed, tannic acid played an important role in the conversion process and molybdate ions promoted the formation of ferric tannate to some extent.
{"title":"A mild rust conversion strategy with high corrosion inhibition efficiency for iron cultural relics","authors":"Mingcan Cao , Jingjing Wu , Zhenpei Liu , Zhuocheng Wei , Qu−ao Li , Junxia Yuan , Xuegang Liu , Lixia Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This work aims at developing a mild yet efficient quaternary rust conversion to address the challenges during the restoration of the Yuquan Iron Pagoda, such as “bone rust” growing in the generated pores due to mechanical rust removal, and hard−to−remove rust in concealed areas. The rusted antique cast iron with highly−simulated Yuquan Iron Pagoda was firstly prepared, the microstructure, surface characteristics and electrochemical performance of rust layers treated with different ratios of tannic acid, phosphate, molybdate and acetic acid were studied in detail, and the optimum formula was determined based on orthogonal experiments analysis. The results showed that the composition proportion of conversion system exerted a significant influence on the properties of rust layers. The converted rust layers mainly consisting of ferric tannate and phosphate exhibited markedly improved density accompany the reduction of harmful rust dominated by γ−FeOOH, thus effectively blocking the penetration of corrosive ions with water contact angle increasing by up to 18.75° and surface roughness decreasing. The significant improvement in electrochemical performance was manifested as elevated impedance and reduced corrosion current density, achieving corrosion inhibition efficiency up to 94.9 %. The conversion mechanism and interaction among components were also proposed, tannic acid played an important role in the conversion process and molybdate ions promoted the formation of ferric tannate to some extent.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"76 ","pages":"Pages 218-226"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145416615","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 : 2025-11-01DOI: 10.1016/S1296-2074(25)00248-1
{"title":"ours Elsevier","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S1296-2074(25)00248-1","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S1296-2074(25)00248-1","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"76 ","pages":"Page iv"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145576121","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}
In heritage science, preparing mock-ups is often a fundamental yet challenging aspect of experimental protocols. This work arises from the need to understand the critical factors that must be considered when preparing model oil paint layers. Specifically, the focus is on understanding the rheology and the curing process of oil paints, and the work was carried out selecting ultramarine blue as pigment and (semi)drying oils as binder. The factors investigated here are the types of pigment and oil, paint thickness, pigment storage conditions, and paint solids content. In this work, 10 different ultramarine blue pigments were selected, differing in terms of their origin (natural and synthetic), particle size distribution, presence of coating or additives, and overall composition. Cold pressed walnut, safflower and linseed oils were used, as well as linseed oils subjected to different pre-treatments, i.e., stand oil and alkali-refined oil. The rheological behavior of fresh model paints was investigated, focusing on the effect of parameters such as pigment particle size distribution and water content. Fresh model paints were also analyzed with ThermoGravimetric Analysis (TGA) under air flow at a constant temperature (80 °C), and some selected paints with microUV—Pyrolysis—Gas Chromatography—Mass Spectrometry (microUV-Py-GC-MS). This enabled us to compare the induction period of the curing reactions, as well as the balance between oxidative degradation and polymerization when the paint formulation was systematically varied. Results show how, in the case of ultramarine blue, the natural pigments behave differently from the synthetic ones, both from a rheological and from a chemical point of view. The study demonstrates that all the parameters investigated strongly affected both the rheology and the chemical curing of the oil paints, which must thus be taken into consideration when carrying out systematic studies.
{"title":"On the preparation of model ultramarine blue oil paint layers: factors affecting the wet paint flow and curing","authors":"Giulia Caroti , Ophélie Ranquet , Silvia Pizzimenti , Luca Bernazzani , Emma Cantisani , Riccardo Punis , Alfonzo Zoleo , Patrick Dietemann , Norbert Willenbacher , Celia Duce , Ilaria Bonaduce","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In heritage science, preparing mock-ups is often a fundamental yet challenging aspect of experimental protocols. This work arises from the need to understand the critical factors that must be considered when preparing model oil paint layers. Specifically, the focus is on understanding the rheology and the curing process of oil paints, and the work was carried out selecting ultramarine blue as pigment and (semi)drying oils as binder. The factors investigated here are the types of pigment and oil, paint thickness, pigment storage conditions, and paint solids content. In this work, 10 different ultramarine blue pigments were selected, differing in terms of their origin (natural and synthetic), particle size distribution, presence of coating or additives, and overall composition. Cold pressed walnut, safflower and linseed oils were used, as well as linseed oils subjected to different pre-treatments, i.e., stand oil and alkali-refined oil. The rheological behavior of fresh model paints was investigated, focusing on the effect of parameters such as pigment particle size distribution and water content. Fresh model paints were also analyzed with ThermoGravimetric Analysis (TGA) under air flow at a constant temperature (80 °C), and some selected paints with microUV—Pyrolysis—Gas Chromatography—Mass Spectrometry (microUV-Py-GC-MS). This enabled us to compare the induction period of the curing reactions, as well as the balance between oxidative degradation and polymerization when the paint formulation was systematically varied. Results show how, in the case of ultramarine blue, the natural pigments behave differently from the synthetic ones, both from a rheological and from a chemical point of view. The study demonstrates that all the parameters investigated strongly affected both the rheology and the chemical curing of the oil paints, which must thus be taken into consideration when carrying out systematic studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"76 ","pages":"Pages 239-250"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145416509","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 : 2025-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.020
Ruiwen Ma , Ming Tang , Qinglin Ma , Tongxiu Zheng , Hui Fang , Zhimin Li
The fire-gilding technique represents a revolutionary advancement in the history of metal surface treatment, embodying the creative application of gold and mercury’s physicochemical properties in artistic craftsmanship. A gilded copper ornament unearthed from a Western Han (西汉) Dynasty (206BCE-25CE) tomb in China exhibits abnormal coloration in its gilded layer, characterized by yellow and pale-yellow hues rather than the typical golden-yellow tone. This study utilizes multiple microscopic techniques—including metallographic microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM)—to characterize the artifact, with sample preparation incorporating traditional methodologies and focused ion beam (FIB) technology. The gilded layer of the copper ornament displays a three-layered architecture. Variations in elemental composition across layers account for the color discrepancies and corroborate the implementation of ancient multi-layer fire-gilding techniques. Pore-like defects induce gilded layer peeling at varying degrees, revealing distinct sub-layers and their characteristic hues. A transitional bonding layer formed via solid-state atomic diffusion ensures a robust interface between the gilded layer and substrate, with mechanical interlocking structures enhancing adhesion. The soft Au-Hg amalgam solidifies into a stable phase during thermal treatment. This study unveils novel physicochemical characteristics of ancient gilded layers, demonstrates the efficacy of multi-method approaches in gilded artifact research, deepens the understanding of fire-gilding techniques, and provides critical insights for the conservation of fire-gilded cultural relics.
{"title":"Analysis of fire-gilded copper objects based on multiple microscopic methods: New data","authors":"Ruiwen Ma , Ming Tang , Qinglin Ma , Tongxiu Zheng , Hui Fang , Zhimin Li","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.020","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.020","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The fire-gilding technique represents a revolutionary advancement in the history of metal surface treatment, embodying the creative application of gold and mercury’s physicochemical properties in artistic craftsmanship. A gilded copper ornament unearthed from a Western Han (西汉) Dynasty (206BCE-25CE) tomb in China exhibits abnormal coloration in its gilded layer, characterized by yellow and pale-yellow hues rather than the typical golden-yellow tone. This study utilizes multiple microscopic techniques—including metallographic microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM)—to characterize the artifact, with sample preparation incorporating traditional methodologies and focused ion beam (FIB) technology. The gilded layer of the copper ornament displays a three-layered architecture. Variations in elemental composition across layers account for the color discrepancies and corroborate the implementation of ancient multi-layer fire-gilding techniques. Pore-like defects induce gilded layer peeling at varying degrees, revealing distinct sub-layers and their characteristic hues. A transitional bonding layer formed via solid-state atomic diffusion ensures a robust interface between the gilded layer and substrate, with mechanical interlocking structures enhancing adhesion. The soft Au-Hg amalgam solidifies into a stable phase during thermal treatment. This study unveils novel physicochemical characteristics of ancient gilded layers, demonstrates the efficacy of multi-method approaches in gilded artifact research, deepens the understanding of fire-gilding techniques, and provides critical insights for the conservation of fire-gilded cultural relics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"76 ","pages":"Pages 350-356"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145462593","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 : 2025-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.023
Laura Andrés-Herguedas , Daniel Jiménez-Desmond , Chiara Ricci , Francesca Zenucchini , Teresa Rivas , Carolina Cardell , José Santiago Pozo-Antonio
Laser cleaning of soiled wall paintings is a conservation practice that has been adopted for decades. However, the increasingly widespread availability of laser technology highlights the need to optimize the choice of laser systems and, consequently, the parameters used on a case-by-case basis. In this study, three Nd:YAG lasers (1064 nm) with different pulse durations were tested: a short free-running system (110 µs), long Q-switched system (100 ns), and Q-switched (8 ns). These lasers were tested on tempera painting mock-ups made of one pigment (i.e. malachite, azurite, lead white, orpiment, or cinnabar) mixed with an organic binder (i.e. egg yolk or rabbit glue) applied to a lime mortar. Each laser was also evaluated in tablets composed solely of one pigment. The reference and irradiated temperas were studied using stereomicroscopy, spectrophotometry, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The pigment tablets were also analyzed with micro X-ray diffraction (µXRD).
All samples suffered blackening after laser irradiation, the intensity of which depended on the nature of the pigment and the binder. Overall, pigment susceptibility was broadly comparable across the three pulse-duration lasers. Cinnabar exhibited the highest level of susceptibility, followed by copper carbonates and orpiment, while lead white proved to be the least affected pigment. The binders exhibited a protective effect on the pigments, although this effect was more intense in egg yolk paintings. Regarding pulse duration, it was found that at low fluences, the laser with the longest pulse duration generated the lowest color changes, while at high fluences, this same laser generated the greatest impact on the temperas. Physical effects were observed in the samples (mineral melting and binder loss), though these were not proportional to the intensity of the blackening.
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