• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.108-125
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• 2013

This study examined the actual reconstruction drawing, composite mineral, particle size and property test, fine organic matters, color differences and main ingredients of the earthen mold excavated in Dongcheon-dong, Gyungju. The cross-section of the inner mold and outer mold divides into inside (1st layer) and outside (2nd layer), with organic matters mixed outside. The cross-section has been altered due to heat and form removal agent. X-ray analysis revealed that the layer was made of minerals with high transmissivity and only quartz particles were observed through a polarizing microscope. The inside of cross-section in SEM observation identified enlarged air gap, with crack developed in the center, but no changes observed on the outside. The particle size of the composites is almost the same for the inner mold and outer mold and is silt clay loam. The ratio between silt clay and silt clay loam was about 2.7:1 and 2.9:1 respectively. In the property test, the density and absorption rate of inner mold and outer mold were similar, but porosity was different, with inner mold of 27.36% and outer mold of 31.09%. The color difference of cross-section seems to have been caused by the spread of soot on the 1st layer surface for removal of form or by the covering of ink to protect the 1st layer. Composite mineral analysis revealed the same composition for the inner mold and outer mold, except for the magnetite that was detected in the inner mold alone. As for the main ingredient analysis, the average content of $SiO_2$ was 71.64% and that of $Al_2O_3$ was 14.59%. As for the sub-ingredients, $Fe_2O_3$ was 4.51%, $K_2O$ 3.06%, $Na_2O$, MgO, CaO, $TiO_2$, $P_2O_5$ and MnO was less than 2%.