A method for sealing inscriptions on cultural relics during restoration

Abstract

This application relates to the field of cultural relic restoration, specifically disclosing a method for sealing inscriptions on cultural relics during restoration. The method includes the following steps: heating menthol crystals until completely melted to obtain a menthol melt; then applying the menthol melt to the inscriptions to be sealed; and finally, after the menthol melt cools and solidifies, the sealing is complete. This method utilizes menthol crystals instead of cyclododecane, effectively sealing the inscriptions on cultural relics. The sealed inscriptions exhibit significant water resistance, do not diffuse upon contact with water, and improve the tensile strength of the simulated archival paper after restoration and mounting. Simultaneously, it has no negative impact on paper fibers, and leaves no residual new chemical substances on the paper.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of cultural relic restoration, and more specifically, it relates to a method for sealing inscriptions on cultural relics during the restoration process. Background Technology

[0002] When restoring ancient books, letters, and other cultural relics containing writing, it is necessary to seal the writing to ensure its integrity. One existing technology involves a method for preventing the ink from bleeding into red ink. This method first prepares a primary reinforcing agent by mixing phosphotungstic acid with phosphoric acid, acetone, and tetraethyl orthosilicate in a specific ratio, and then applies it to the red ink writing. Next, a secondary reinforcing agent is prepared by mixing ethyl cellulose with barium hydroxide and methanol in a specific ratio, and applied over the primary agent. Finally, a tertiary reinforcing agent is prepared by mixing a banana oil solution of ethyl cellulose with a banana oil solution of polymethyl methacrylate in a specific ratio, and applied over the secondary agent. Test paper protected by this method was subjected to dry heat, damp heat, and ultraviolet aging tests. The test results showed that the tensile strength, folding endurance, and tear strength of the paper were improved, and the color difference of the writing was minimal, the pigment was not easily faded, and it could be preserved for a long time. However, this method only has a good protective effect on paper artifacts using red ink, and its protective effect on inks of other colors is still unclear. In addition, this method requires the preparation of three kinds of reinforcing agents, and the preparation process is quite complicated.

[0003] Researchers have indicated that cyclododecane can be used as a sealing material to coat writing; however, cyclododecane has poor permeability, providing only a limited sealing effect on the surface of the writing. Its adhesion to paper is also weak, and the non-polar solvents that dissolve cyclododecane typically have very low flash points, making them flammable organic solvents. Therefore, its application in the restoration of ancient books, letters, archives, and other cultural relics is relatively difficult. Furthermore, the domestic market currently relies heavily on imports of cyclododecane, requiring special approvals for each import. The market price is extremely high, and there are issues such as long supply cycles and unstable supply. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a method for sealing the inscriptions on cultural relics during restoration.

[0005] This application provides a method for sealing inscriptions on cultural relics during restoration, employing the following technical solution:

[0006] A method for sealing inscriptions on cultural relics during restoration includes the following steps:

[0007] Menthol crystals are heated until completely melted to obtain menthol melt. The menthol melt is then applied to the lettering to be sealed. After the menthol melt cools and solidifies, the sealing process is complete.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the sealing of writing on cultural relics can be effectively achieved. The sealed writing exhibits significant water resistance, does not spread upon contact with water, and improves the tensile strength of the simulated archival paper after restoration and mounting. Simultaneously, it has no negative impact on paper fibers, and leaves no residual new chemical substances on the paper. Because menthol crystals contain hydroxyl groups and are polar molecules, they have stronger penetration, greater adhesion to paper, and stronger bonding than cyclododecane. Furthermore, menthol crystals have good hydrophilicity and wettability, making them more suitable for operation in humid environments. Menthol crystals can be obtained from peppermint oil or manufactured from citronellal or thymol. They volatilize at room temperature, complying with reprocessing principles, and are non-toxic and harmless within specified dosages, posing no health risks to workers. Therefore, they are more suitable than cyclododecane as a material for sealing writing in cultural relic restoration. The method of this application is simple to operate, low in cost, and has a good sealing effect on writing with various colored inks, solving the problem of limited protection for specific colored inks in existing technologies. In addition, menthol is readily available, overcoming the problems of long supply cycles and unstable supply of cyclododecane, while avoiding the safety hazards caused by the use of flammable organic solvents.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the menthol crystals are L-menthol crystals.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, L-menthol crystals have better penetration ability, optical purity and crystallization performance, which can improve the transparency and stability of the sealing layer, thereby better protecting the integrity of the writing, increasing the tensile strength of the paper, and reducing interference with the color of the writing, making the sealed writing clearer and more legible.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the L-menthol crystals are heated to a temperature of 42-45°C.

[0012] By employing the above technical solution, heating the levorotatory menthol crystals to 42-45℃ to prepare the menthol melt effectively controls the melting process of the menthol crystals, reducing the possibility of material property changes or volatilization loss due to excessively high temperatures. Simultaneously, it ensures the menthol crystals are fully melted, improving the uniformity and stability of the coating. This temperature range allows the menthol melt to better bond with the writing when it cools and solidifies after coating, providing a more reliable sealing effect and effectively protecting the writing on cultural relics from external environmental factors.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the menthol crystals are mixed with one of n-pentane, diethyl ether, and methyl ethyl ether and heated.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, this application uses a mixture of menthol crystals and one of n-pentane, diethyl ether, and methyl ethyl ether. This can fully leverage the synergistic effect between the components, further improve the penetration ability and evaporation rate of menthol crystals, and improve the fluidity of menthol crystals, making them easier to coat onto the writing to be sealed. This enhances the stability of the sealing effect and the tensile strength of the paper, which is beneficial for the restoration and preservation of cultural relics.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the menthol crystals are mixed with n-pentane and heated.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, this application further selects to use menthol crystals in combination with n-pentane. Compared with ether, methyl ethyl ether, etc., this can further improve the penetration ability of menthol on paper, thereby further improving the sealing effect of the writing and the tensile strength of the paper.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of menthol crystals to n-pentane is 1:(1.2-1.8).

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, this application optimizes the ratio between menthol crystals and n-pentane, allowing them to fully exert their synergistic effect, thereby improving the penetration ability of menthol on paper, and thus enhancing the sealing effect of the writing and the tensile strength of the paper. Furthermore, this ratio also reduces the volatilization rate of n-pentane, improving operational safety and further optimizing the sealing performance of writing during the restoration of cultural relics.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the menthol melt is coated on the lettering to be sealed with a thickness of not less than 500 μm.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, this application controls the thickness of the menthol melt coating on the writing to be sealed to be no less than 500 μm, ensuring that the menthol melt fully covers the surface of the writing and its minor unevenness, forming a uniform and continuous protective layer. This thickness effectively enhances the sealing ability of the writing, avoiding the problem of incomplete sealing caused by an excessively thin coating, thus better protecting the writing from external environmental factors such as oxidation and moisture intrusion. At the same time, sufficient thickness also helps to improve the durability and stability of the writing, reduce the risk of pigment fading or bleeding, and ensure the long-term preservation quality of cultural relics. Experimental testing showed that when the menthol coating thickness was around 500 μm, its polarization resistance reached the 10¹⁰ level, effectively isolating water from the writing. However, when the menthol coating thickness was around 450 μm, its polarization resistance decreased to the 10⁸ level, weakening its protective effect on the writing. When the coating was reapplied to around 500 μm, it still achieved good water-proofing. Therefore, this application controls the thickness of the menthol coating to 500 μm or more.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the menthol melt is coated on the lettering to be sealed to a thickness of 500-900 μm.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, this application further optimizes the thickness of the menthol coating to be within the range of 500-900μm, which can provide good isolation and protection for the writing while reducing material waste and the impact on the appearance of cultural relics.

[0023] In summary, this application has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0024] 1. The method of this application uses menthol crystals instead of cyclododecane, which can effectively seal the writing on cultural relics. The sealed writing has a significant water-resistant effect, does not spread when exposed to water, and can improve the tensile strength of the simulated archival paper after restoration and mounting. At the same time, it has no negative impact on paper fibers and leaves no residual new chemical substances on the paper.

[0025] 2. The method of this application is simple to operate, low in cost, and has a good sealing effect on writing with various colored inks, solving the problem of limited protection effect for specific colored inks in the prior art;

[0026] 3. The materials used in the method of this application are readily available, overcoming the problems of long supply cycle and unstable supply of cyclododecane. Moreover, it is non-toxic and harmless within the specified dosage and will not cause harm to the health of workers. At the same time, it avoids the safety hazards caused by the use of flammable organic solvents. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 These are SEM images of untreated raw Xuan paper (left) and raw Xuan paper treated according to Example 3 (right);

[0028] Figure 2 These are SEM images of unprocessed newsprint (left) and newsprint processed according to Example 3 (right);

[0029] Figure 3 These are SEM images of untreated bamboo paper (left) and bamboo paper treated according to Example 3 (right);

[0030] Figure 4 These are the infrared spectra of untreated raw Xuan paper and raw Xuan paper treated according to Example 3;

[0031] Figure 5 These are infrared spectra of untreated newsprint and newsprint treated according to Example 3;

[0032] Figure 6 These are infrared spectra of untreated bamboo paper and bamboo paper treated according to Example 3. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0034] All raw materials used in this application are commercially available products.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] A method for sealing inscriptions on cultural relics during restoration includes the following steps:

[0037] At a temperature of 42°C, levorotatory menthol crystals are heated until completely melted to obtain menthol melt. Then, the paper containing the text to be sealed is unfolded and placed flat with the text facing upward. The menthol melt is then applied to the text to be sealed, without covering the entire sheet of paper. The coating thickness is 500μm. After the menthol melt cools and solidifies, the sealing is complete.

[0038] Example 2

[0039] A method for sealing inscriptions on cultural relics during restoration includes the following steps:

[0040] At a temperature of 45°C, levorotatory menthol crystals are heated until completely melted to obtain menthol melt. Then, the paper containing the text to be sealed is unfolded and placed flat with the text facing upward. The menthol melt is then applied to the text to be sealed, without covering the entire sheet of paper. The coating thickness is 900μm. After the menthol melt cools and solidifies, the sealing is complete.

[0041] Example 3

[0042] A method for sealing inscriptions on cultural relics during restoration includes the following steps:

[0043] At a temperature of 43°C, levorotatory menthol crystals are heated until completely melted to obtain menthol melt. Then, the paper containing the text to be sealed is unfolded and placed flat with the text facing upward. The menthol melt is then applied to the text to be sealed, without covering the entire sheet of paper. The coating thickness is 700μm. After the menthol melt cools and solidifies, the sealing is complete.

[0044] Example 4

[0045] A method for sealing inscriptions on cultural relics during restoration includes the following steps:

[0046] At 43°C, levorotatory menthol crystals and n-pentane in a weight ratio of 1:1.2 are heated until completely melted to obtain menthol melt. Then, the paper containing the text to be sealed is unfolded and placed flat with the text facing upward. The menthol melt is then coated onto the text to be sealed, without coating the entire sheet of paper. The coating thickness is 700μm. After the menthol melt cools and solidifies, the sealing is complete.

[0047] Example 5

[0048] A method for sealing inscriptions on cultural relics during restoration includes the following steps:

[0049] At 43°C, levorotatory menthol crystals and n-pentane in a weight ratio of 1:1.8 are heated until completely melted to obtain menthol melt. Then, the paper containing the text to be sealed is unfolded and placed flat with the text facing upward. The menthol melt is then coated onto the text to be sealed, without coating the entire sheet of paper. The coating thickness is 700μm. After the menthol melt cools and solidifies, the sealing is complete.

[0050] Example 6

[0051] A method for sealing inscriptions on cultural relics during restoration includes the following steps:

[0052] At 43°C, levorotatory menthol crystals and diethyl ether in a weight ratio of 1:1.8 are heated until completely melted to obtain menthol melt. Then, the paper containing the text to be sealed is unfolded and placed flat with the text facing upward. The menthol melt is then coated onto the text to be sealed, without coating the entire sheet of paper. The coating thickness is 700μm. After the menthol melt cools and solidifies, the sealing is complete.

[0053] Example 7

[0054] A method for sealing inscriptions on cultural relics during restoration includes the following steps:

[0055] At 43°C, levorotatory menthol crystals and methyl ethyl ether in a weight ratio of 1:1.8 are heated until completely melted to obtain menthol melt. Then, the paper containing the text to be sealed is unfolded and placed flat with the text facing upward. The menthol melt is then coated onto the text to be sealed, without coating the entire sheet of paper. The coating thickness is 700μm. After the menthol melt cools and solidifies, the sealing is complete.

[0056] Example 8

[0057] A method for sealing inscriptions on cultural relics during restoration includes the following steps:

[0058] At 43°C, levorotatory menthol crystals and n-pentane in a weight ratio of 1:0.5 are heated until completely melted to obtain menthol melt. Then, the paper containing the text to be sealed is unfolded and placed flat with the text facing upward. The menthol melt is then coated onto the text to be sealed, without coating the entire sheet of paper. The coating thickness is 700μm. After the menthol melt cools and solidifies, the sealing is complete.

[0059] Example 9

[0060] A method for sealing inscriptions on cultural relics during restoration includes the following steps:

[0061] At 43°C, levorotatory menthol crystals and n-pentane in a weight ratio of 1:2.5 are heated until completely melted to obtain menthol melt. Then, the paper containing the text to be sealed is unfolded and placed flat with the text facing upward. The menthol melt is then coated onto the text to be sealed, without coating the entire sheet of paper. The coating thickness is 700μm. After the menthol melt cools and solidifies, the sealing is complete.

[0062] Comparative Example 1

[0063] The difference from Example 3 is that L-menthol is replaced with cyclododecane and petroleum ether in a weight ratio of 7:3, while the rest is the same as in Example 3.

[0064] Comparative Example 2

[0065] The difference from Example 3 is that L-menthol is replaced with D-menthol, otherwise it is the same as Example 3.

[0066] Comparative Example 3

[0067] The difference from Example 3 is that L-menthol is replaced with L-menthol and fluoropolymer in a weight ratio of 1:1.5, and the fluoropolymer is Daikin GM-105D from Japan. All other aspects are the same as in Example 3.

[0068] Comparative Example 4

[0069] The difference from Example 3 is that the coating thickness of the menthol melt is 450 μm, while the rest is the same as in Example 3.

[0070] Comparative Example 5

[0071] The difference from Example 3 is that the coating thickness of the menthol melt is 300 μm, while the rest is the same as in Example 3.

[0072] Performance testing

[0073] Following the methods described in the above embodiments and comparative examples, the writing on raw Xuan paper, newsprint, and bamboo paper was sealed (with untreated raw Xuan paper, newsprint, and bamboo paper as blank groups). Then, the paper was mounted, wall-mounted, and dried according to conventional methods. Tensile strength, folding endurance, and water resistance were then tested according to GB / T 22898-2008 and GB / T 457-2008, respectively. Water resistance was measured using an OCA 20 video optical contact angle meter. The results are shown in Tables 1-3. Each set of data represents the average of 10 tests. The test environment conditions were: standard atmospheric pressure, temperature (23±1)℃, relative humidity 50%±2%, distilled water pH 8.35, and folding endurance test force mode 4.91N. Simultaneously, taking Example 3 as an example, the paper fiber composition of raw Xuan paper, newsprint, and bamboo paper was determined using a TM3030 desktop scanning electron microscope, and the residual newly added chemical substances in raw Xuan paper, newsprint, and bamboo paper were determined using a Vertex 70 spectrometer. The results are as follows: Figure 1-6 As shown.

[0074] Table 1. Test Results of Raw Xuan Paper

[0075]

[0076] Table 2 Newsprint Test Results

[0077]

[0078] Table 3. Bamboo Paper Test Results

[0079]

[0080] As can be seen from Tables 1-3, when three different types of paper were treated using the methods of Examples 1-3 of this application, the tensile strength, folding endurance, and water contact angle of the paper after sealing and mounting all increased compared to the paper before treatment. This indicates that the method of this application can achieve a good sealing effect on the writing on three different types of paper, effectively isolate moisture, and improve the tensile strength of the paper. Simultaneously, combined with... Figure 1-6 It can be seen that the method of this application has no negative impact on paper fibers and leaves no residual new chemical substances.

[0081] The difference between Examples 4-9 and Example 3 lies in the use of one of n-pentane, diethyl ether, and methyl ethyl ether in combination with L-menthol crystals. As shown in Tables 1-3, the tensile strength, folding endurance, and water contact angle of the three different types of paper treated by the method in Examples 4-9 are all greater than those of the paper treated by the method in Example 3. The experimental results indicate that using one of n-pentane, diethyl ether, and methyl ethyl ether in combination with L-menthol crystals can leverage the synergistic effect between these three components and the L-menthol crystals, thereby further improving the sealing effect and tensile strength of the paper. Furthermore, comparing the data from Examples 4-9 reveals that when n-pentane was used in Examples 4-5 and the ratio between the two was optimized, the sealing effect and tensile strength of the paper were further improved.

[0082] The difference between Comparative Example 1 and Example 3 is that conventional cyclododecane is used as the sealing material. As can be seen from Table 1, the tensile strength, folding endurance and water contact angle of the three types of paper treated by Comparative Example 1 are all less than those of the paper treated by Example 3. The experimental results show that, compared with cyclododecane, the use of levorotatory menthol crystals as the sealing material in this application can improve the sealing effect and tensile strength of the paper.

[0083] The difference between Comparative Example 2 and Example 3 is that dextrorotatory menthol was used instead of levorotatory menthol. As can be seen from Table 1, the tensile strength, folding endurance and water contact angle of the three types of paper treated by Comparative Example 2 are all lower than those of the paper treated by Example 3. The experimental results show that, compared with dextrorotatory menthol, levorotatory menthol crystals can further improve the sealing effect and tensile strength of the paper.

[0084] The difference between Comparative Example 3 and Example 3 is that a fluoropolymer and L-menthol were used in combination. As can be seen from Table 1, the tensile strength, folding endurance and water contact angle of the three types of paper treated by Comparative Example 3 were all lower than those of the paper treated by Example 3. The experimental results show that the fluoropolymer affects the sealing effect of L-menthol crystals on the writing and reduces the tensile strength of the paper.

[0085] The difference between Comparative Examples 4-5 and Example 3 lies in the thickness of the L-menthol coating. As can be seen from Table 1, the tensile strength, folding endurance, and water contact angle of the three types of paper treated by Comparative Examples 4-5 are all lower than those of the paper treated by Example 3. The experimental results show that a thickness of less than 500 μm of L-menthol coating will reduce the sealing effect and reduce the tensile strength of the paper.

[0086] The embodiments described in this specific implementation are preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A method of consolidating writing on an artifact in the restoration of the artifact, characterized by, The method comprises the following steps: The menthol crystal is heated to completely melt to obtain a menthol melt, and then the menthol melt is coated on the trace to be fixed, and the fixing is completed after the menthol melt is cooled and solidified.

2. The method for sealing the writing of cultural relics in the repair of cultural relics according to claim 1, characterized in that, The menthol crystal is a levorotatory menthol crystal.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the method is used for consolidating the writing of the cultural property in the restoration of the cultural property. The heating temperature of the levorotatory menthol crystal is 42-45 DEG C.

4. The method for sealing the writing on cultural relics in the repair of cultural relics according to claim 1, characterized in that, The menthol crystal is mixed with one of n-pentane, diethyl ether and methyl ethyl ether and heated.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the method is used for consolidating the writing of the cultural property in the restoration of the cultural property. The menthol crystal is mixed with n-pentane and heated.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the method is used for sealing the writing on the cultural property. The weight ratio of the menthol crystal to n-pentane is 1: (1.2-1.8).

7. The method for sealing the writing on cultural relics in the repair of cultural relics according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the menthol melt coated on the trace to be fixed is not less than 500 microns.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the method is used for consolidating the writing of the cultural property. The thickness of the menthol melt coated on the trace to be fixed is 500-900 microns.

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