by Mohamed Moustafa Ibrahim, Wael Sabry Mohamed and Hamdy Mohamed Mohamed
ABSTRACT
The archaeological pottery artifacts are the major finding in excavations and inhere a particular deterioration aspect, especially fragility. The consolidation process is necessary to keep these objects for a long time. Several consolidants are using in the field of pottery conservation, such as Paraloid B72. This paper presents an experimental study to compare and evaluate the effect of the addition of TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles on the physical and mechanical properties of Paraloid B72. It is applied to improve the polymer properties and increase its ability to consolidate and protect the pottery objects. In this study, pottery samples were prepared at 800oC and have exposed to salt weathering. The aged pottery samples have consolidated with the prepared consolidants by brushing. Then, the treated samples were exposed to artificial aging to test the efficiency of the consolidation materials. Some investigation with analytical methods were used for the evaluation process. TEM was used to measure the size of prepared nanocomposites. Microscopic investigation with SEM, USB digital, and stereo were used for the surface morphology. The measurement of the contact angle was performed for the evaluation of the hydrophobic properties of the consolidants used in this study. The color change, physical and mechanical tests were also evaluated. It has been proven that the treated sample with Paraloid B72/ZnO nanocomposites gave the best results, suitable to use of this nanocomposite for the consolidation of pottery objects.
