http://hdl.handle.net/1974/121 2013-05-23T00:47:46Z http://hdl.handle.net/1974/6713 Title: COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY FOR THE NON-DESTRUCTIVE IMAGING OF CULTURAL HERITAGE: X-RAY, GAMMA AND NEUTRON SOURCES Authors: NGUYEN, HAI-YEN Abstract: X-ray and neutron computed tomography (CT) have been used successfully for the non-destructive imaging of artifact in art conservation. These applications range from object investigations to the use of micro-focus CT for experimental studies. While there is precedent for the use of CT in art conservation, the method is still limited in application partially due to restricted access to facilities and the high cost of producing publishable results. The purpose of this study was to identify alternative CT methods including the use of different radiation sources and industrial imaging system. Both investigations of the use of low-flux neutron CT at the Royal Military College in Kingston compared to high-flux neutron CT at the Advanced Neutron Tomography And Radiography Experimental System (ANTARES) at FRM-II in Garching, Munich and the use of megavoltage gamma ray computed tomography at Kingston General Hospital in Kingston successfully imaged the corroded metal artifacts. The artifacts investigated were from the Diniacopoulos Collection at Queen’s University and were underwater concretions of L’Anse aux Bouleaux provided by Parks Canada. This study also evaluated the Xradia XCT-400 for comparison to similar systems used in conservation. This evaluation also provided successful images of corroded metal coins from the Diniacopoulos Collection for use in identification. To address the issue of cost prohibitive image analysis programs, a workflow using the open-source software programs ImageVis3D, 3DSlicer and ImageJ was developed. This workflow would enable researchers and conservators to produce publishable images and analyze the information in the CT data sets. Additionally, this workflow addresses some common research questions that might arise during investigations that would guide conservators in optimizing their imaging parameters and image analysis. The combination of the alternative radiation sources and the open-source workflow allows for greater accessibility of CT for conservators and researchers. While the preliminary success of the study is promising, more research is needed to optimize the scanning parameters and image analysis through the use of phantoms and comparisons to traditional investigative methods in conservation. Description: Thesis (Master, Art Conservation) -- Queen's University, 2011-09-09 14:25:25.219 2011-09-12T04:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1974/5392 Title: A polysaccharide extracted from sphagnum moss as antifungal agent in archaeological conservation Authors: ZAITSEVA, NINA Abstract: On the basis of the well-known preservative properties of Sphagnum moss, a potential opportunity to use moss polysaccharides (Sphagnan) in art conservation was tested. Polysaccharides were extracted from the moss (S. palustre spp.) in the amount of 4.1% of the Sphagnum plant dry weight. All lignocelluloses were removed from this extract as a result of the treatment of the moss cellulose with sodium chlorite. The extracted polysaccharide possessed a strong acidic reaction (pH 2.8) and was soluble in water and organic solvents. The extract was tested on laboratory bacterial cultures by the disk-diffusion method. The antibacterial effect was demonstrated for E. coli and P. aeruginosa (both gram-negative) while Staphylococcus aurelus (gram-positive) was shown to be insensitive to Sphagnum polysaccharides. The antifungal effect of Sphagnum extract was tested by the disk-diffusion method on the spores of seventeen fungal species. These fungi were isolated from ethnographic museum objects and from archaeological objects excavated in the Arctic. Twelve of these isolates appeared susceptible to the extract. The inhibiting effect of the extract was also tested by the modified broth-dilution method on the most typical isolate (Aspergillus spp.). In this experiment, in one ml of the nutritious broth, 40µl of 3% solution of polysaccharides in water killed 10,000 fungal spores in 6 hours. The inhibiting effect was not connected to the acidity or osmotic effect of Sphagnum polysaccharides. As an example of the application of Sphagnum polysaccharides in art conservation, they were added as preservative agents to conservation waxes. After three weeks of exposure of microcrystalline wax to test fungi (Aspergillus spp.), 44% of wax was consumed. When, however, ~ 0.1% (w/w) of Sphagnum extract was mixed with wax, the weight loss of wax was only 4% in the same time interval. On the basis of this study it was concluded that Sphagnum moss and Sphagnum products can be recommended for use in art conservation as antifungal agents. Description: Thesis (Master, Art Conservation) -- Queen's University, 2010-01-14 15:55:23.779 2010-01-14T21:01:31Z http://hdl.handle.net/1974/1523 Title: Adobe Conservation: Evaluation of Silicone and Acrylic Consolidants Authors: Ahmadi, SHOKOUFEH Abstract: Since soil and water were the most accessible building materials, humans used the mixture of soil and water to fabricate mud bricks or adobe. Iran, Syria, and Iraq have numerous mud brick buildings, and Arg-e Bam, located in Iran, was one of the most famous earthen monuments in the world; it was destroyed in a massive earthquake in 2003. In this research adobe samples were fabricated and different consolidants were applied to the samples. To determine the most effective consolidant, the tests were performed on the treated adobe. The soil for this research was supplied from Godfrey, a site near Kingston, Ontario, Canada. The soil was mixed with kaolin to achieve a similar grain size distribution to that of soil found in Bam. This research used four specific consolidant materials: a 5% (w/v) solution of Paraloid B-72 in toluene; a 50% (v/v) solution of methyl trimethoxy silane (MTMOS) in ethanol; a 50% (v/v) solution of ethyl silicate (TEOS) in ethanol; and Conservare H, which is the commercial brand of ethyl silicate. The research also studied the effects of Paraloid B-72 on surfaces previously treated with methyl trimethoxy silane and ethyl silicate. The chemicals were applied to the samples by brushing. After treatment, different physical properties were measured. The tests included study of density, porosity, water absorption, depth of penetration, abrasion resistance, hardness, compressive strength, bending strength and colour changes. Chemical analysis (X-ray diffraction) was used to study the chemical components of the soil and scanning electron microscopy showed changes to the treated surfaces after application of the chemicals. This research can be used as a guide in choosing the consolidants in adobe consolidation depending on the priorities defined in each building conservation project. Also, by applying all the same tests to samples made from the actual soil from Bam, this research can be used to evaluate how grain size distribution can affect the physical properties of the consolidated samples. By considering only the grain size of the soil used for adobe fabrication, the results from this research produced the following conclusion of consolidation of adobe from Bam; if the colour change is important, then the recommended consolidant is MTMOS or TEOS; if the colour change is not important, then the recommended consolidant is Paraloid B-72. The comparison among all the consolidants and their results, except results from failure strength, leads to the conclusion that the best consolidant is TEOS followed by a second coat of Paraloid B-72. Description: Thesis (Master, Art Conservation) -- Queen's University, 2008-09-26 12:01:30.22 2008-09-27T21:42:45Z http://hdl.handle.net/1974/1487 Title: Delamination of oil paints from acrylic grounds Authors: Maor, Yonah Abstract: Many modern artists paint in oil or oil-modified alkyd paints over acrylic grounds. In some cases the oil based paints do not remain adhered to the ground. In a set of composite samples of oil or alkyd paints, over acrylic grounds, naturally aged for nine years, some of the samples delaminated. Samples were analyzed with X-ray fluorescence (XRF), inductively coupled plasma (ICP), Fourier transform infrared - attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), pyrolysis gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry (PY-GC/MS), laser desorption/ionization mass-spectrometry (LDI-MS), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and other methods, in order to find what the delaminating ones have in common. In addition, two examples of severely delaminating paintings were examined, to confirm the results from the laboratory-prepared samples. Results indicate the main cause of delamination is metal soaps in the oil paint and particularly zinc soaps. There is some evidence that metal soaps were more concentrated at the interface between the layers and this disrupted the adhesion. The ground is a minor consideration as well, rougher grounds providing better adhesion than smooth ones. Description: Thesis (Master, Art Conservation) -- Queen's University, 2008-09-26 16:44:35.814 2008-09-27T15:12:47Z