Strontium carbonate nanoparticles for the surface treatment of problematic sulfur and iron in waterlogged archaeological wood

DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2015.07.013

Authors: Eleanor Schofield (Mary Rose Trust) , Ritimukta Sarangi (Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource) , Apurva Mehta (Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource) , Mark Jones (Mary Rose Trust) , Andrew Smith (University of Manchester) , Fred Mosselmans (Diamond Light Source) , Alan Chadwick (University of Kent at Canterbury)
Co-authored by industrial partner: No

Type: Journal Paper
Journal: Journal Of Cultural Heritage

State: Published (Approved)
Published: August 2015
Diamond Proposal Number(s): 6437

Abstract: Stabilising waterlogged archaeological wooden artefacts for display presents a challenge for conservators and scientists. Sulfur compounds, incorporated into the wood prior to excavation, can lead to acid formation when exposed to oxygen, and in the presence of iron ions. Strontium carbonate nanoparticles have recently been shown to reduce the production of acid formation at the root by reacting with inorganic sulfur-containing compounds. Here, we show the feasibility of using this treatment on small samples where consolidating treatments have already been performed. It is found that PEG 200 does not prevent the reactivity of the nanoparticles with the sulfur compounds present in the artefacts. A surface brushing application method was found to be successful whilst retaining the visual integrity. In addition, it was found that this technique results in the leaching of iron from the surface layers, preventing future build up of acid catalysed by iron compounds.

Journal Keywords: Strontium Carbonate; Archaelogical Wood; Mary Rose; Sulfur Problem

Diamond Keywords: Archeology

Subject Areas: Archaeological and Cultural Heritage, Chemistry


Instruments: B18-Core EXAFS

Other Facilities: SSRL

Added On: 02/09/2015 14:23

Discipline Tags:

Cultural Heritage Humanities Chemistry

Technical Tags:

Spectroscopy X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS)