Museum Lighting Protocol
Lighting Research Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Project Abstract: Recent research suggests that by concentrating incident light into certain spectral bands degradation rates for illuminated museum exhibits may be minimized without compromising viewer satisfaction. To this end Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is exploring the use of various optical filters in combination with conventional halogen light sources. Relative that provided equivalent assessments of exhibit appearance will be determined for conventional museum lighting and for a tri-band source produced by combining and balancing the outputs of halogen lamps filled with narrow band-pass-filters. Sponsored by NCPTT.

PI: Dr. Christopher Cuttle, Adjunct Associate Professor, Lighting Research Center.  

Developing Comprehensive Testing Protocols for Protective Coatings for Silver Objects in Museum Collections
Corrosion and Materials Research Institute

Project Abstract: The Corrosion and Materials Research Institute is developing a series of comprehensive protocols for assessing the performance of protective coatings on silver objects in museum collections. The protocols will be based on standard corrosion industry test methods, and both quantitative and qualitative data relevant to coatings performance will be developed. The relative merits of three commonly used protective coatings for silver objects will be evaluated following exposure of coated objects to atmospheric pollutants typically found in museum environments. Sponsored by the NCPTT.

PIs: Mr. Richard Corbett, Principal Corrosion Scientist, Corrosion and Materials Research Institute; Mr. Richard Tatnall, Principal Coatings Engineer, MIC Associates, Inc.; Dr. Chandra Reedy, Associate Professor, Art Conservation, University of Delaware; Ms. Deborah L. Long, Assistant Professor, Art Conservation, University of Delaware.

Investigating the Use of Silicone Oils for the Treatment of Wet or Waterlogged Organic Materials Nautical Archaeology Program
Texas A&M University

Project Abstract: Texas A&M University is investigating silicone oils as an alternative to conventional bulking agents for the treatment of wet or waterlogged organic materials recovered from archaeological sites. Silicone oils possessing different molecular weights, viscosities, and requiring different catalysts are being tested. The long-term stability of silicone treated materials will be assessed following accelerated aging. Other studies will include the compatibility of silicones of conventional bulking agents such as polyethylene glycol and the use of silicones for the preservation of glass and other siliceous materials. Sponsored by the NCPTT.

PI: Dr. Wayne Smith.

Preparing a Directory of Chemical Spot Tests for Materials Characterization
Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona

Project Abstract: The Arizona State Museum is developing a directory of chemical spot tests for the qualitative analysis of a range of archaeological materials. These tests will also be used to characterize associated accretions and deposits as well as other materials contextual to the artifact. The directory will be designed for use by practicing conservator with an emphasis on simplicity, ease of application, and interpretation of test results. Test protocols will be independently evaluated and developed into a standard format. Sponsored by the NCPTT.

PI: Nancy Odegaard, Conservator, Arizona State Museum.

Analyzing the Effect of an Indoor Pollutant on Traditional Easel Paintings
Indiana University Art Museum, Indiana University

Project Abstract: Indiana University Art Museum is studying the effect of diethylaminoethanol (DEAE), a volatile corrosion inhibitor widely used in museum humidification systems, on traditional easel paintings. Short-term exposure to DEAE is known to cause softening and pitting of the varnish layers, resulting in a disturbing haze. It is possible that over time surface deposits of the inhibitor may penetrate the varnish layers, resulting in a disturbing haze. It is possible that over time surface deposits of the inhibitor may penetrate the varnish and react with underlying paint layers catalyzing hydrolysis or oxidative degradation of the oil, tempera, or acrylic media. Using natural and artificially contaminated painted surfaces as samples, studies will be conducted to determine if DEAE can penetrate the surface of coated and uncoated paintings and react physically or chemically with the underlying paint surface. Studies also will be undertaken to determine if the inhibitor can be removed safely from the varnish or paint surface using conventional solvents. Sponsored by the NCPTT.

PI: Margaret Contompasis, Painting Conservator, Indiana University, Museum of Art.

Field Testing a Non-Invasive, Non-Toxic Baiting System for Protecting Historic Structures from Subterranean Termites
Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida

Project Abstract: The University of Florida is conducting a series of field trials to evaluate the effectiveness of a new commercial product which employs a new baiting technology for the control of subterranean termites. This technology involves the use of monitoring stations which incorporate a bait matrix containing the insect growth regulator, hexaflumaron. Recent laboratory and field studies have established the efficacy of hexaflumaron against C. Formosanus and R. Flavipes when introduced as a bait. Both in-ground and above-ground baiting procedures will be used to delineate foraging territories and to eliminate active infestations. Field trials are presently underway at a number of historic buildings and structures in New Orleans as well as at the Statue of Liberty in New York.

PI: Dr. Nan-Yao Su, Associate Professor/Entomology.

Collections in Hot and Humid Indoor Environments
The Getty Conservation Institute

Museum collections in climates which are hot and humid for long periods of time have far greater environmental stresses placed upon them, usually with less human and economic resources available than similar collections in more temperate regions. In addition, when these institutions are found in non-English speaking countries, the unavailability of translated literature presents further difficulties.

This project is designed to focus on the preventive conservation aspects of museum collection in indoor environments characterized by these types of problems. Emphasis is on institutions in developing countries without HVAC systems. "Technical sustainability" is one of the major precepts of this project as it applies to microbiological and insect control and the use of easily obtained and maintained sorbent strategies for air pollutants in microenvironments. Other areas of development involve controlling and mitigating the effects of high relative humidity through appropriate building ventilation and the production of environmental management guidelines.

To better distribute information and share common problems, networks will be established using major centers within the regions as hubs.

PI: James Druzik.

Identification of Organic Materials
The Getty Conservation Institute

Scientists at the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) have developed and/or refined a number of gas chromatography procedures (GC) for identifying natural organic material (such as drying oils, eggs, milk, animal skins, tree resins, waxes, and plant gums) in extremely small samples of paint and varnish. One novel procedure currently under development permits the simultaneous detection of proteins, oils, waxes, and resins in a single sample, and has the acronym "POWR." Additionally, GCI scientists are developing a procedure for identification of plant gums that can be used in conjunction with the POWR procedure for complete characterization of the natural organic constituents of paint. The final analytical protocol will be evaluated by testing modern samples of paint and varnish mixtures that were prepared using historic recipes.

To further aid in the dissemination of the analytical procedures, the GCI researchers will be working with scientists from important international museum research centers to study significant painted works of art that, to date, have not been analyzed due to the lack of suitable techniques. It is anticipated that the collaborative studies will reach a wider audience of conservation scientists, and have a major impact on the way that painted objects are tested in the future.

PI: Michael Schilling.

Earthen Architecture in Archaeological Sites
The Getty Conservation Institute

Building on the work and experience of the Gaia Project at ICCROM/CRATerre-EAG, the Earthen Architecture Research Project of GCI, and the joint PAT96 course, ICCROM and GCI plan to develop a new broad, multi-institutional framework to promote collaboration in the study and conservation of earthen architectural heritage.

PI: William Ginell.

Preservation of Porous Calcareous Materials
The Getty Conservation Institute

The aim of this project is to elucidate the important mechanisms by which porous calcareous stones are damaged by water, soluble salts and clays, in order to develop appropriate and specific conservation methods to mitigate these problems.

The specific objectives of the project are to:

PI: Eric Doehne.

Surface Cleaning
The Getty Conservation Institute

The development of new cleaning systems by Richard Wolbers of the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program of Art Conservation, in the mid 1980s, has enabled many conservators to exercise greater precision and control throughout the cleaning process. It also presented greater latitude in the cleaning choices for a variety of surfaces that were previously difficult to clean. The Getty Conservation Institute first presented these systems to the conservation community through workshops and courses beginning in 1987.

While these systems are now being widely used by conservators internationally, the cleaning procedures continue to raise some concerns because of a lack of a clear understanding of the potential for damage to treated surfaces. The GCI has teamed with the Winterthur Museum and the Program in Art Conservation at the University of Delaware to conduct research that addresses these questions. The study is to investigate the activity of the individual components within the compound; the dynamic of the cleaning mechanisms; the type and amount of residues that remain on surfaces after cleaning; and the impact these residues have on the deterioration of the surface.

PI: Valerie Dorge.

Lime Mortars and Plasters
The Getty Conservation Institute

Lime mortars and plasters, made from heating and processing of calcareous rocks, are important construction materials, used in wall painting and sculptural media found in archaeological and historic buildings throughout the Old and New Worlds. Although made from the same basic substance, they are a man-made material whose production methods and applications varied based upon the geological area and cultural context of their use. Understanding the complexities of their properties and modes of deterioration are crucial to developing methods of preservation, including mitigating environmental assault, and formulating repair or replacement materials.

A series of collaborative efforts are planned to provide some solutions. An improved methodology for the characterization of the materials is being developed, in conjunction with scientific colleagues in Europe, that ranks the usefulness of existing analytical methods and incorporates new or previously little-used techniques. The properties of historic materials are being studied to determine how their composition (including traditional natural additives) and structure relate to their physical state. Conclusions regarding the most important factors in their deterioration will be drawn and further confirmed through the study of laboratory produced model materials. Suitable formulations for lime-based materials with properties tailored to specific conservation applications will be suggested, recognizing the need for available, cost-effective and compatible material formulations.

PI: Eric Hansen.

Archaeological Metals
The Getty Conservation Institute

Some of the earliest Greek metalwork known, from the largest Neolithic site in Europe, which was recently excavated, is dated from about 4600BC making it 6600 years old. We analyzed tiny fragments of the bronze objects found and obtained permission from the Greek Ministry of Culture to export these fragments as part of the collaborative work between the Getty Museum and the Thessalonike Museum, where the conservation work was carried out.

Our work was most successful in this case, showing that already by this early date the Neolithic settlers had make smelted cope and copper-arsenic alloys. These three classes of material represent here the beginnings of man's experiments in the use of smelted metal which was to lead to the early developed Bronze Age. The techniques used at the Getty Conservation Institute included metallographic study, ICP-MS analysis and X-ray fluoresecence analysis. The work will continue to be used to characterize a large collection of ancient Greek metalwork in the Getty Museum from a religious sanctuary site in Southern Italy.

PI: David Scott.

Museum Survey
The Getty Conservation Institute

The new Getty Center Museum in Los Angeles has provided a venue to apply and test many of the air pollution research findings of the GCI. Hundreds of materials were tested for potentially adverse effects on museum artifacts before inclusion into the building. Frequently, new materials had to be selected as original selections failed one or more tests.

To keep out Los Angeles' air pollution, first rate HVAC systems were installed. Exterior air makes multiple passes through particle filters and activated charcoal to remove outdoor contaminants prior to reaching the museum interiors.

Outdoor pollutants (sulfur dioxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and particles) are measured at the intakes to the HVAC system and the recipient galleries. This testing has demonstrated that the system significantly reduces the infiltration of outdoor pollutants. Monitoring for indoor-generated pollutants (formaldehyde, acetylaldehyde, formic acid, acetic acid, hydrogen sulfide, general volatile organic compounds (VOC's) and particles) in the galleries has confirmed no sources of these compounds in the Getty Center Museum.

The monitoring will continue for 3 months after the museum is open to the public to determine the impact on the pollution levels in the museum as well as aid in the development of a maintenance schedule for the particle and chemical filtration systems of the HVAC.

Another aspect of this large multi-institute, international collaborative project is the evaluation of passive samplers for organic carbonyl pollutants for museums.

The various segments will be individually published to disseminate the findings to the appropriate audiences.

PI: Cecily Grzywacz.

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