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Technique of Temporary Undisturbed Reinforcement Extraction of Fragile Lacquerware from Shipwrecks

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Abstract

A subject of continuous discussion in the field of underwater archaeology is how to safely extract fragile waterlogged artifacts while maintaining their best condition. In this study, lacquerware with fragile wooden body was simulated and extracted, using a triple-package reinforcement technique. Using veratraldehyde as a temporary consolidant, SH-MWCNTs@PU sponge/epoxy resin composite materials as free-form reinforced layers, and double-sided self-adhesive bandages wrapped around the outer layer, the safe underwater extraction and the layer-by-layer removal of the simulated artifacts were studied. The method maximized the preservation of the artifacts’ state and information and minimized their damage during removal and transport. This method can be used as a technique for the extraction of fragile artifacts from underwater archaeological excavation sites.

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Acknowledgements

National Key R&D Program of China (2020YFC1520504) is greatly acknowledged for their financial support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cultural Heritage and Museology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310028, China

    Fanglu Wang, Xueqiang Chen, Xinxin Wang, Bingjian Zhang & Yulan Hu

  2. Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China

    Bingjian Zhang & Longguan Zhu

  3. Ningbo University of Finance and Economics, Ningbo, 315175, China

    Xueqiang Chen

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  1. Fanglu Wang
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  2. Xueqiang Chen
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  3. Xinxin Wang
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  4. Bingjian Zhang
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  5. Yulan Hu
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  6. Longguan Zhu
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Correspondence to Bingjian Zhang.

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Wang, F., Chen, X., Wang, X. et al. Technique of Temporary Undisturbed Reinforcement Extraction of Fragile Lacquerware from Shipwrecks. J Mari Arch 16, 27–38 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11457-020-09289-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11457-020-09289-3

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