• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.635-641
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• 2014

Archaeological waterlogged woods require a process of dimensional stabilization for their conservation. PEG is the most widely used in the conservation of archaeological waterlogged wood. One of the easiest and commonly used methods is the impregnation of 40% polyethylene glycol followed by vacuum freeze drying. However, the waste fluid produced from the PEG treatment is black in color and has a severe odor due to the organic matter extracted from the wood. Thus It cannot be recycled and it was just thrown out. Color of waste fluid can be decolored with oxidation reaction by hydrogen peroxide. Properties of PEG before and after preservation treatment, and after oxidation with $H_2O_2$ were not changed. Dimensional stability of archaeological waterlogged Salix koreensis Andersson was studied with pure or recycled PEG. The ratio of impregnation solutions were 10:0, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7, 0:10 (pure PEG : recycled PEG). Impregnation process was carried out by putting the wood specimens 10% PEG solution for 5days, 20% for 5 days, 30% for 5 days finally 40% for 5 days. All of the specimens showed the weight change rate of 25%. SEM results provided that the dimensional change of were less than 4% PEG impregnated specimens. Comparing with pure PEG impregnation system, conservation precess mixed PEG also showed no significant changes. Conclusively, the recycled PEG can be used for archeological waterlogged wood conservation precess.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.536-544
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• 2021

In the present study, safe management and value improvement of bamboo sunblind, which is an item of cultural heritage, were performed by adopting stable conservation treatment methods. The bamboo sunblind used in the present study was excavated from No. 1 catchment site in Baesanseongji, Busan. It was determined that the main material used to make the sunblind was bamboo, and herbal plants were used to weave the bamboo using lacquer as an adhesive agent. All contaminants and soil adhered to the sunblind was removed. Thereafter, the sunblind, which was recovered in the form of blocks, was washed separately after fixing it to a temporary plaster frame and to avoid the blocks from breaking during washing. Then, polyethylene glycol (PEG) impregnation was utilized for the reinforcement treatment. Based on the preliminary test results, the shape of the sunblind was fixed using a stainless-steel frame to prevent physical damage that may occur during the drying process. Thereafter, the bamboo sunblind was vacuum freeze-dried. PEG 20% (in ethyl alcohol) was applied as a surface treatment agent for stabilization the sunblind. After the surface treatment, the bamboo sunblind were joined together to fit the maximum width, and the rectangular shape of the sunblind was restored-as best as possible-while filling in the missing parts by maximizing the use of unknown members such as in the disturbed layers below bamboo sunblind surface. The conservation treatment was completed by fixing the bamboo sunblind into the fabricated frame.