Cairo University, Faculty of Archaeology, Conservation DepartmentAdvanced Research in Conservation Science2682-34541120200907The Use of SEM-EDX Investigations in Estimating The Penetration Depth of Preparation Layers Within Wood Structure11511119910.21608/arcs.2020.111199ENJournal Article20200215The preparation layers (gesso) applied on archaeological wood have a slightly degrading effect on the wood surface that lies directly beneath them. This research seeks to investigate the effect of preparation layers according to their penetration depth within the wood using SEM-EDX. Native <em>Ficus sycomorus</em> (sycomore fig), <em>Tamarix sp. </em>(tamarisk wood) and <em>Acacia sp.</em> (syn. <em>Vachellia</em> sp., acacia wood) and six types of preparation layers, similar in composition to ancient paint grounds were chosen for this study. For investigation and analysis, samples were taken from the wood at a depth of 5 mm directly below the substrate, after exposing the samples to natural and accelerated (light and heat) aging, which simulated partially the natural ageing process of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Results of investigation and analysis were compared with results obtained from the control wood samples that had not been covered with any preparation layers. The results concluded that penetration of preparation layers inside the wood structure is totally dependent on three factors; first, the wood type which differed in pore size, second, the mineralogical composition of the preparation layer applied on the wood, and third the binding medium used.
https://arcs.journals.ekb.eg/article_111199_dd512b9ab53dd1c4670d01e6bb4da044.pdfCairo University, Faculty of Archaeology, Conservation DepartmentAdvanced Research in Conservation Science2682-34541120200907Experimental Evaluation of Consolidation Techniques of Fossiliferous Limestone in Masonry Walls of Heritage Buildings at Historic Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia163311120510.21608/arcs.2020.111205ENJournal Article20200501The Historic Jeddah city is the forefront of the Saudi Arabia heritage sites that UNESCO recently registered in the World Heritage List. Most of its buildings were constructed with multiple-leaf masonry walls using marine-origin of fossiliferous limestone that vernacular name is "Mangabi". These stones are characterized by high porosity, low density and weak mechanical strength. Unfortunately, most of previous studies merely concerned architectural aspects of these buildings and their urban. This paper presented some parts of the intensive experimental campaign by the authors that focused on various structural aspects and strengthening techniques of these buildings. It aimed to evaluate the enhancement of physical and mechanical properties of their stones by injection with either nano-lime or Wacker OH-100. Different parameters were taken into consideration to evaluate the short-term efficacy of the consolidating materials after both treatments. Thirty-six cubic stone specimens of 50 mm side-length were prepared from ruins of unregistered heritage buildings. Twelve specimens were treated with the nano-lime 'CaLoSiL<sup>®</sup>' of IP5, E25 and E50 ready concentrations, using brushing and injection, while another twelve were treated with Wacker OH-100. Both types were left thirty days for polymerization and carbonation processes of the consolidants to complete in standard conditions. Then, standard physical (i.e. bulk density, apparent porosity and water absorption) and uniaxial compression tests were conducted for both untreated and treated specimens (three specimens per each test). Besides, X-Ray diffraction and digital, polarizing and scanning electron microscopes were utilized for microstructure examinations of the specimens. Results and recommendations were derived.
https://arcs.journals.ekb.eg/article_111205_f58953f730341eecff542fdddec6158d.pdfCairo University, Faculty of Archaeology, Conservation DepartmentAdvanced Research in Conservation Science2682-34541120200907Estimation of Deterioration Aspects of Granitic Columns at the Mosque of Al-Nasir Mohamed Ibn Qalawun, Cairo, Egypt345111121310.21608/arcs.2020.111213ENJournal Article20200607The mosque of Al-Nasir Mohammad Ibn Qalawun represents one of the important and high valuable Mamluk mosques in Egypt. The granitic columns used in this mosque provide a significant case of reusing the architectural elements dated back to the earlier Pharaonic constructions. These granitic columns have been exposed to aggressive physiochemical and mechanical weathering processes. Moreover, they have been subjected to faulty restoration with an inappropriate resinous material which led to many deterioration aspects. The current study aims to assess the state of granitic columns and to characterize their deterioration aspects. Examinations and analytical study were carried out using stereomicroscope (SM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), polarized light microscope (PLM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area (BET), Raman spectroscopy (RS), in addition to microbiological investigation. The data declared conversion of mineralogical composition, discoloration, poor aesthetic properties, increase of porosity, cracks, surficial flaking, salt crystallization and microbiological colonization. Hence, it is crucial to conduct conservation of the studied granitic columns.https://arcs.journals.ekb.eg/article_111213_8f739305e5826db188585f989245496e.pdfCairo University, Faculty of Archaeology, Conservation DepartmentAdvanced Research in Conservation Science2682-34541120200907From Traditional to Laser Cleaning Techniques of Parchment Manuscripts: A Review527611121610.21608/arcs.2020.111216ENJournal Article20200722According to improper factors in museums, storages and libraries environments, surface deposits and different types of dirt can contaminate the surface of parchment manuscripts. The brittleness, hardness, corrosion, discoloration and stains from different sources are considered to be some of the deterioration forms resulting from the reaction between parchment and stains. This study aims to make a survey on different stains found on parchment, explain the forms and mechanisms of their deterioration, and explain the traditional and laser cleaning techniques used for stains removal. Moisture, dusts, soot, blood, iron rust, adhesives residues and microorganisms stains are considered the most common stains on parchment manuscripts. This study confirms that mechanical cleaning, chemical techniques, cleaning with organic solvents, and laser cleaning have been used. Sometimes cleaning processes especially traditional cleaning can lead to pressure, irreversible damage, surface or molecular structural damage and denaturation of collagen. This latter can occur in advanced states of degradation. Laser cleaning is preferred for parchment because it is a contactless, chemical free and non-destructive procedure. Analysis and investigation should be used for the evaluation of deterioration and conservation treatments. The study reveals that all cleaning techniques of parchment manuscripts have advantages and disadvantages and all are required, but the state of preservation and nature of stains will direct the selection of the suitable cleaning technique. Sometimes one or more techniques can be used for the removal of the same stains on the same manuscript.https://arcs.journals.ekb.eg/article_111216_b4d2045b83d9145399d8975111c59a5b.pdf