Removing insoluble salts from archaeological ceramics. Traditional methods under review

Sáenz-Martínez, M. San Andrés, M. Álvarez de Buergo, I. Blasco, R. Fort

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Although insoluble salts are one of the most common alteration forms that archaeological ceramics can present, the methods for their removal have not really changed within the past forty years. Furthermore, not many studies on the topic have been recently published. In this paper, a methodology to study the suitability of different traditional treatments for the removal of these salts, has been established. Ceramic mock-ups made out of a marketed red clay were fired up to 700ºC in laboratory conditions. Their composition and physical properties were studied. A validated method for the growth of calcium carbonate deposits was applied onto them. Afterwards, chemical tests based on three products and three application methods were studied. Finally, the mock-ups’ characteristics were studied again to determine their changes due to the cleaning treatments. Results showed efficacy differences linked to the product and application method. In general, the products applied by immersion and cellulose pulp poultice were more effective than gel treatments, which were less effective with any of the three products tested.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationScience and Digital Technology for Cultural Heritage – Interdisciplinary Approach to Diagnosis, Vulnerability, Risk Assessment and Graphic Information Models - Proceedings of the 4th International Congress Science and Technology for the conservation of cultural heritage, TECHNOHERITAGE 2019
EditorsPilar Ortiz Calderón, Francisco Pinto Puerto, Philip Verhagen, Andrés J. Prieto
PublisherCRC Press/Balkema
Pages277-282
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9780367363680
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020
Event4th International Congress Science and Technology for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage, TECHNOHERITAGE 2019 - Seville, Spain
Duration: 26 Mar 201930 Mar 2019

Publication series

NameScience and Digital Technology for Cultural Heritage - Interdisciplinary Approach to Diagnosis, Vulnerability, Risk Assessment and Graphic Information Models - Proceedings of the 4th International Congress Science and Technology for the conservation of cultural heritage, TECHNOHERITAGE 2019

Conference

Conference4th International Congress Science and Technology for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage, TECHNOHERITAGE 2019
Country/TerritorySpain
CitySeville
Period26/03/1930/03/19

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The authors gratefully acknowledge both research projects Geomateriales-2 (S2013/MIT-2914) and Top Heritage-CM (S2018/NMT-4372). They also thank Complutense University of Madrid and Banco Santander for Águeda Sáenz-Martínez’s PhD scholarship (CT17/17-CT18/17).

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, London.

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