NCPTT | Materials Conservation

Highlights from the 12th Stone Congress — Part II

On October 29, 2012 By Mary Striegel

NCPTT Research at International Stone Congress

On October 24, 2012 By Mary Striegel

Highlights from the 12th Stone Congress

On October 23, 2012 By Mary Striegel

Greetings from the 12th International Congress on the Deterioration and Conservation of Stone, New York

On October 23, 2012 By Mary Striegel

Thin-Section Petrography Workshop a Success

On April 3, 2012 By Mary Striegel

John Pojman, LSU Polymer Expert, Visits NCPTT

On March 21, 2012 By Mary Striegel

John Pojman explains frontal polymerization to students and staff at NCPTT.

Evaluation of Ca(OH)₂ Nano-Particle Treatment of Cordage/Basketry (2011-01)

On December 31, 2011 By Sean Clifford

Figure 4. This image, from the third round of synthesis of nano-particles, shows an agglomeration of particles that occurs upon drying. The SEM image was taken at a working distance of about 7.5mm, 25keV, about 45 mA and 3.50k magnification. Agglomerated particles do not easily dissociate from one another and it becomes difficult to disperse these in cordage. This concentration issue requires that the concentration of the calcium hydroxide in the dispersion is low.

The major goals of this project involved: laboratory set-up; synthesis of Ca(OH) 2 nano- particles; cordage sample acquisition; development of a research design; preliminary testing of solutions and solvents; mechanical and aging studies; analytical characterization; imaging and data collection; and report preparation. The project has demonstrated that aqueous dispersions of calcium hydroxide nano-particles are not an appropriate treatment for archaeological cordage because the cordage swells when treated with water. The study has shown that 2-propanol as a carrier solvent for Calcium hydroxide nano-particles does not swell cordage fibers or inhibit the migration of nano-particles into the matrix, while increasing the pH of the cordage. The results of this funded project suggest that calcium hydroxide nano-particle solutions in isopropyl alcohol is promising as a conservation treatment for archaeological cordage. This study has also confirms that storage that offers the most confinement and immobilization will further reduce damage from handling.

Scholarships Available for 2012 Iron & Steel Preservation Conference

On December 12, 2011 By Ed FitzGerald

Preservation Efforts Underway at the Tomb of the Unknowns

On September 14, 2011 By Mary Striegel

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