• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.195-209
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• 2018

In this study, the characteristics of various raw hairs used for traditional Korean brushes were examined; further, the characteristics and deterioration patterns of Korean, Chinese, and Japanese brushes were compared, with a quantitative evaluation to assess the brush performance. The tensile strength was generally found to be higher with a greater fiber thickness. Among the hairs examined, the back and flank hair of goat was more damaged than that in other parts, and the tensile strength was low. Higher elasticity of the brush made with hair of high cysteine content was measured. Owing to deterioration by use of the brushes, artificial drying brushes had a higher yellowness index and lower tensile strength than natural drying brushes. Further, it was confirmed that brushes with good absorbency exhibited good consistency, but not good elasticity. Thus, the performance of the brush can be influenced by the kind of material used and the brush usage pattern. In addition, it is possible to identify the material science characteristics of brushes which have been produced only by experience; therefore, the results of this study could provide basic data for manufacturing brushes employed in conservation treatment, in the future.