A method for repairing paleontological fossils by using a silicon rubber impregnation method and a paleontological fossil obtained thereby

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of fossil plasticizing, and provides a method for repairing ancient biological fossils by using a silicon rubber impregnation method and the obtained ancient biological fossils, the method comprises the following steps: damaged fossils and fossil fragments are bonded by using glue to form the original fossil shape; the fossil is immersed in acetone, and after the acetone completely soaks the fossil, the fossil is taken out; vacuum impregnation is immediately performed in silicon rubber; the fossil after vacuum impregnation is sequentially subjected to standing, glue control and repair to obtain a fossil with the original appearance restored; the fossil with the original appearance restored is solidified to obtain a repaired ancient biological fossil. According to the method, the fossil to be repaired and preserved is completely immersed in the silicon rubber, and after solidification, the gaps between all the fossils are bonded into one body, so that the fossils are firmly combined into one body, the texture of the fossils is no longer loose, and the fossils are not prone to fragmentation, large-area vibration and breakage can be avoided during the preservation process, and the fossils are convenient to carry, transport and preserve for a long time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fossil plastyling technology, and in particular to a method for restoring paleontological fossils by silicone rubber impregnation and the resulting paleontological fossils. Background Technology

[0002] After fossils are discovered in the field, a burlap-plaster composite (called a "pilauc") is usually made to protect the fossil specimen, or foam is used to bring the fossil indoors. Once the fossil is fully exposed, the surface dust is gently brushed away. For severely weathered areas, multiple applications of consolidating agents, ranging from low to high concentrations, are needed to penetrate and reinforce the fossil. After cleaning and reinforcement, the surrounding rock is cleaned using hammers and chisels. When the color of the surrounding rock becomes noticeably lighter after the outer rock is removed, a high-precision, powerful pneumatic engraving tool is used to continue the restoration. Care must be taken to avoid causing large-area vibrations that could damage the fossil. Chisels are also used to repair softer, thicker, smaller fossils and intricate details during the rock cleaning process. Simultaneously, silicone and resin are used to preserve the original information of the fossil in the form of a model, which can be used for skeletal reconstruction and display.

[0003] The existing fossil restoration technology has the following problems: (1) The consolidating agent in fossil restoration is not easy to dissipate heat and control temperature. The emulsifier left in it is difficult to completely remove. Moreover, the system has low viscosity and is still fragile and difficult to transport after restoration; (2) The consolidating agent in fossil restoration has limited penetration and cannot maintain the fossil's resistance to discoloration and aging for a long time; (3) The fossil restoration outer protection technology uses plaster, linen and wooden strips to make Pilok outer supports. Smaller fossils are protected by foam, which has problems such as fragility, weathering and difficulty in transportation.

[0004] Therefore, the research has yielded a method for restoring ancient fossils, which improves the bonding strength and aging resistance of fossils, making them firmly bonded, less prone to breakage, and easy to transport, which is of great significance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a method for restoring paleontological fossils using silicone rubber impregnation and the resulting paleontological fossils.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] This invention provides a method for restoring ancient fossils using silicone rubber impregnation, comprising the following steps:

[0008] 1) Use glue to bond the broken fossils and fossil fragments together to restore the original shape of the fossil;

[0009] 2) Soak the fossils in acetone until the color darkens and stabilizes, then remove them from the water.

[0010] 3) The fossils were sequentially vacuum impregnated in silicone rubber and then left to stand;

[0011] 4) After the settling period, the fossils are sequentially subjected to resin control and restoration to obtain fossils that have been restored to their original shape;

[0012] 5) The fossils that have been restored to their original shape are solidified to obtain the restored paleontological fossils.

[0013] Preferably, the adhesive used in step 1) is a polyurethane acrylic adhesive.

[0014] Preferably, the silicone rubber in step 3) is a single-component condensation type silicone rubber.

[0015] Preferably, step 3) of the vacuum impregnation includes low vacuum impregnation and high vacuum impregnation.

[0016] Preferably, the vacuum degree of the low vacuum impregnation is -0.093 to -0.088 MPa, and the time is 15 to 20 hours; the vacuum degree of the high vacuum impregnation is -0.096 to -0.098 MPa, and the time is 32 to 40 hours.

[0017] Preferably, the end of vacuum impregnation is indicated by the fossil color becoming darker and more uniform, and the absence of air bubbles in the silicone rubber.

[0018] Preferably, the settling time in step 3) is 20 to 28 hours.

[0019] Preferably, in step 4), the silicone rubber that has been applied to the surface of the fossil is drained, and the repair involves restoring the fossil fragments to their original positions so that the damaged fossil can be restored to its original shape.

[0020] Preferably, step 5) involves exposing the fossil to air and solidifying it under sealed conditions. During the solidification process, the solidifying agent is in a vaporized and flowing state.

[0021] The present invention also provides paleontological fossils restored by the method described.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this invention include:

[0023] 1) The method of the present invention repairs and preserves fossils by completely immersing silicone rubber into the gaps between the fossils. After curing, the gaps between all the fossils are glued together, so that the fossils are firmly bonded together. The fossil texture is no longer loose and it is not easy to break. During the preservation process, large-area shattering can be avoided, making it easy to carry, transport and preserve for a long time.

[0024] 2) The method of the present invention restores and preserves fossils, avoiding further weathering when exposed to air, and can also preserve the color of fossils completely. It is applicable to the preservation of ancient corpses and biological artifacts, and is easier to learn and study.

[0025] 3) This invention involves treating the entire fossil with silicone rubber impregnation technology after the fossil specimen has been prepared, thereby facilitating its preservation, transportation, and exhibition. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 The broken fossils and fossil fragments are from Example 1;

[0027] Figure 2 The fossils that were simply glued together in Example 1;

[0028] Figure 3 The fossils in Example 1 were impregnated in acetone, with the left image showing the fossils before impregnation and the right image showing the fossils after impregnation.

[0029] Figure 4 Fossils subjected to vacuum impregnation in Example 1;

[0030] Figure 5 The fossils were left to stand in Example 1;

[0031] Figure 6 The fossil was restored in Example 1;

[0032] Figure 7 This is the fossil solidified in Example 1. Detailed Implementation

[0033] This invention provides a method for restoring ancient fossils using silicone rubber impregnation, comprising the following steps:

[0034] 1) Use glue to bond the broken fossils and fossil fragments together to restore the original shape of the fossil;

[0035] 2) Soak the fossils in acetone until the color darkens and stabilizes, then remove them from the water.

[0036] 3) The fossils were sequentially vacuum impregnated in silicone rubber and then left to stand;

[0037] 4) After the settling period, the fossils are sequentially subjected to resin control and restoration to obtain fossils that have been restored to their original shape;

[0038] 5) The fossils that have been restored to their original shape are solidified to obtain the restored paleontological fossils.

[0039] In this invention, the adhesive used in step 1) is preferably polyurethane acrylic adhesive; the bonded fossils are easy to repair later; the damaged fossils are large pieces of fossils, and the fossil fragments are small pieces of fossils.

[0040] In this invention, the soaking time in step 2) is proportional to the volume of the fossil; the soaking time is based on the fossil color darkening, and the soaking time is preferably 3 to 8 days.

[0041] In step 2) of this invention, after the glue in the fossil has dried, preferably at room temperature, the fossil is completely immersed in acetone for soaking. After the fossil color darkens and stabilizes, the fossil is taken out (at this time, the acetone has completely soaked the fossil).

[0042] In this invention, the silicone rubber in step 3) is preferably a single-component condensation type silicone rubber.

[0043] In this invention, step 3) is preferably performed by vacuum impregnation in silicone rubber immediately after the fossil is taken out of acetone.

[0044] In this invention, the vacuum impregnation in step 3) preferably includes low-vacuum impregnation and high-vacuum impregnation; the vacuum degree of low-vacuum impregnation is preferably -0.093 to -0.088 MPa, more preferably -0.091 to -0.089 MPa, and more preferably -0.09 MPa, and the low-vacuum impregnation time is preferably 15 to 20 hours, more preferably 16 to 19 hours, and more preferably 17 to 18 hours; the vacuum degree of high-vacuum impregnation is preferably -0.096 to -0.098 MPa, more preferably -0.097 MPa, and the high-vacuum impregnation time is preferably 32 to 40 hours, more preferably 34 to 38 hours, and more preferably 36 hours.

[0045] In this invention, the end of vacuum impregnation is marked by the fossil color becoming darker and more uniform, the fossil not turning white, and the absence of air bubbles in the silicone rubber. At this point, the fossil crevices are completely impregnated by silicone rubber.

[0046] In this invention, the settling time in step 3) is preferably 20-28 hours, more preferably 22-26 hours, and even more preferably 24-25 hours; the settling is the fossil settling in silicone rubber at room temperature.

[0047] In this invention, after the fossil has been left to stand, it is removed from the silicone rubber and the adhesive is controlled. Preferably, the silicone rubber on the surface of the fossil is drained. After the adhesive is controlled, the fossil is repaired. Preferably, the fossil fragments are restored to their original positions so that the damaged fossil is restored to its original shape.

[0048] In this invention, the impregnated broken fossils and fossil fragments have viscosity and can be directly bonded without the need for other colloids.

[0049] In this invention, the curing in step 5) preferably involves completely exposing the fossil to the air to reduce the direct contact area between the fossil and other items and improve the curing effect; the curing is preferably carried out under sealed conditions, and during the curing process, the curing agent is in a gaseous and flowing state, and the curing agent is preferably tetraethyl orthosilicate.

[0050] In this invention, after curing, the overall shape of the fossil is fixed, and excess silicone and foreign matter on the surface of the fossil are cleaned to keep the surface of the fossil specimen clean.

[0051] In this invention, the fossils mentioned in steps 2) to 5) are all composed of broken fossils and fossil fragments.

[0052] The present invention also provides paleontological fossils restored by the method described.

[0053] The technical solutions provided by the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the embodiments, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0054] Example 1

[0055] A broken fossil measuring 26cm x 37cm was placed on a glass plate. The broken fossil and fossil fragments were then simply glued together using 1B66-5L polyurethane acrylic adhesive to fix the fragments in their original positions, restoring the original fossil shape. After the adhesive dried completely, the fossil was completely immersed in acetone at room temperature. The color of the fossil was observed; after 4 days of immersion, the color deepened and stabilized, indicating the fossil was fully saturated with acetone. At this point, the fossil was removed from the immersion plate.

[0056] After the fossils were removed from acetone, they were immediately placed in a container filled with HS-601 single-component condensation-type silicone rubber. The container was then placed in a vacuum impregnation chamber. Impregnation was first performed at a low vacuum of -0.09 MPa for 18 hours, followed by a high vacuum impregnation at -0.097 MPa for 36 hours. The fossil color was observed; a darker and more uniform color without any whitening, and the absence of air bubbles in the silicone rubber indicated successful impregnation. After vacuum impregnation, the fossil crevices were completely permeated with silicone rubber. The container was then removed and allowed to stand for 24 hours. The damaged fossils and all fossil fragments were then removed from the silicone rubber for descaling. Once the silicone rubber had drained from the fossil surface, the fossil fragments were restored to their original positions for repair, restoring the fossil to its original shape.

[0057] The restored fossil is placed in a curing chamber, ensuring it is fully exposed to the air and minimizing direct contact with other objects. The curing chamber is then sealed, and the air pump (120W) and fan (1200 rpm) are turned on to vaporize and circulate the tetraethyl orthosilicate curing agent. Curing is carried out at room temperature for 14 days to stabilize the overall shape of the fossil. After curing, excess silica gel and foreign matter are removed from the fossil surface to maintain its cleanliness.

[0058] Example 2

[0059] A broken fossil measuring 35cm x 48cm was placed on a glass plate. The broken fossil and fossil fragments were then simply glued together using 1B66-5L polyurethane acrylic adhesive to fix the fragments in their original positions, restoring the original fossil shape. After the adhesive dried completely, the fossil was completely immersed in acetone at room temperature. The color of the fossil was observed; after 5 days of immersion, the color deepened and stabilized, indicating the fossil was fully saturated with acetone. At this point, the fossil was removed from the immersion plate.

[0060] After the fossils were removed from acetone, they were immediately placed in a container filled with IOTA4815C single-component condensation-type silicone rubber. The container was then placed in a vacuum impregnation chamber. Impregnation was first performed at a low vacuum of -0.092 MPa for 16 hours, followed by a high vacuum impregnation at -0.096 MPa for 38 hours. The fossil color was observed; a darker and more uniform color without any whitening, and the absence of air bubbles in the silicone rubber indicated successful impregnation. After vacuum impregnation, the fossil crevices were completely permeated with silicone rubber. The container was then removed and allowed to stand for 22 hours. The damaged fossils and all fossil fragments were then removed from the silicone rubber for descaling. Once the silicone rubber had drained from the fossil surface, the fossil fragments were restored to their original positions, restoring the fossil to its original shape.

[0061] The restored fossil is placed in a curing chamber, ensuring it is fully exposed to the air and minimizing direct contact with other objects. The curing chamber is then sealed, and the air pump (120W) and fan (1200 rpm) are turned on to vaporize and circulate the tetraethyl orthosilicate curing agent. Curing is carried out at room temperature for 15 days to stabilize the overall shape of the fossil. After curing, excess silica gel and foreign matter are thoroughly cleaned from the fossil surface to maintain its cleanliness.

[0062] Example 3

[0063] A broken fossil measuring 40cm x 52cm was placed on a glass plate. The broken fossil and fossil fragments were then simply glued together using 1B66-5L polyurethane acrylic adhesive to fix the fragments in their original positions, restoring the original fossil shape. After the adhesive dried completely, the fossil was completely immersed in acetone at room temperature. The color of the fossil was observed; after 7 days of immersion, the color deepened and stabilized, indicating the fossil was fully saturated with acetone. At this point, the fossil was removed from the immersion plate.

[0064] After the fossils were removed from acetone, they were immediately placed in a container filled with HS-601 single-component condensation-type silicone rubber. The container was then placed in a vacuum impregnation chamber. Impregnation was first performed at a low vacuum of -0.089 MPa for 19 hours, followed by a high vacuum impregnation at -0.098 MPa for 34 hours. The fossil color was observed; a darker, more uniform color without any whitening, and the absence of air bubbles in the silicone rubber indicated successful impregnation. After vacuum impregnation, the fossil crevices were completely permeated with silicone rubber. The container was then removed and allowed to stand for 26 hours. The damaged fossils and all fossil fragments were then removed from the silicone rubber for descaling. Once the silicone rubber had drained from the fossil surface, the fossil fragments were restored to their original positions, restoring the fossil to its original shape.

[0065] The restored fossil is placed in a curing chamber, ensuring it is fully exposed to the air and minimizing direct contact with other objects. The curing chamber is then sealed, and the air pump (120W) and fan (1200 rpm) are turned on to vaporize and circulate the tetraethyl orthosilicate curing agent. Curing is carried out at room temperature for 16 days to stabilize the overall shape of the fossil. After curing, excess silica gel and foreign matter are removed from the fossil surface to maintain its cleanliness.

[0066] The method of this invention restores and preserves fossils by completely immersing silicone rubber into the fossil's crevices. After curing, all the gaps between the fossils are glued together, making the fossils firmly bonded together. The fossil's texture is no longer loose, and it is less prone to breakage. During preservation, it can avoid large-scale shattering, making it easier to carry, transport, and preserve for a long time. The fossils restored and preserved by this method of this invention prevent further weathering when exposed to air, and at the same time, the fossil's color is completely preserved. It is suitable for the preservation of ancient corpses and biological artifacts, and is easier to study and research.

[0067] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for restoring ancient fossils using silicone rubber impregnation, characterized in that, It includes the following steps: 1) Use glue to bond the broken fossils and fossil fragments together to restore the original shape of the fossil; 2) Soak the fossils in acetone until the color darkens and stabilizes, then remove them from the water. 3) The fossils were sequentially vacuum impregnated in silicone rubber and then left to stand; 4) After the settling period, the fossils are sequentially subjected to adhesive control and restoration to obtain fossils that have been restored to their original shape; 5) The fossils that have been restored to their original shape are solidified to obtain restored paleontological fossils; Step 1) The adhesive is a polyurethane acrylic adhesive; Step 2) The impregnation is carried out at room temperature; Step 3) The vacuum impregnation includes low vacuum impregnation and high vacuum impregnation; the vacuum degree of low vacuum impregnation is -0.093 to -0.088 MPa, and the time is 15 to 20 hours; the vacuum degree of high vacuum impregnation is -0.096 to -0.098 MPa, and the time is 32 to 40 hours. Step 3) The settling time is 20~28h.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step 3) The silicone rubber is a one-component condensation type silicone rubber.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The completion of vacuum impregnation is indicated by a darkening and uniform color of the fossil and the absence of air bubbles in the silicone rubber.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 4), the silicone rubber that has been used to seal the fossil surface is drained. The repair involves restoring the fossil fragments to their original positions so that the damaged fossil can regain its original shape.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Step 5) The solidification process involves exposing the fossil to air and solidifying it under sealed conditions. During the solidification process, the solidifying agent is in a gaseous and flowing state.

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