Earticle

Scientific analysis and conservation treatment were conducted on a wooden plow excavated from Area 1 of the wooden-walled reservoir at Mongchontoseong. The plow, consisting of six fragmented pieces, was found in a decayed and cracked condition. Prior to conservation treatment, 3D scanning was performed to record baseline data, which was used throughout the subsequent process. Wood species identification revealed that the plow blade and body were Fraxinus (Oleaceae), whereas the remaining components belonged to Quercus spp., subgenus Lepidobalanus (Cerris group), Fagaceae. Examination of tool marks on the surface indicates that Plow No. 2 was manufactured u sing v arious implements, including axes, adzes, chisels, k nives, and e ither a s ickle o r a plane. Conservation treatment followed the sequence of preliminary condition assessment, cleaning, consolidation, and vacuum freeze-drying. Consolidation employed PEG 4000 (aqueous solution), impregnated to a final concentration of 40%. Bonding simulations based on 3D data confirmed that the most stable configuration involved attaching the plow blade to Sul, and bonding and restoration were performed accordingly based on this configuration. The restored sections were subsequently color-matched to complete the treatment.

This study aimed to identify the properties of infill materials suitable for the structural reinforcement of the earthen wall supporting the mural in the Josadang Shrine of Buseoksa Temple, using materials closely resembling those of the original wall fabric. It also aimed to establish optimal mixing ratios that ensure structural stability and visual compatibility. Soil comparable to the original earthen wall was selected, and test specimens were prepared by incorporating fibers (straw and hemp) together with binders, Dobak (a seaweed-based adhesive), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), and rice starch paste. The specimens were subsequently evaluated for surface condition, colorimetric properties, volume and weight changes due to drying shrinkage, and mechanical performance, including compressive strength. Results indicated that fiber inclusion effectively suppressed drying shrinkage and enhanced overall stability of the structural and finishing layers. For the structural layer, mixtures containing straw or hemp fibers combined with 1.5 %–3 % HPC or Dobak exhibited superior crack resistance, surface stability, and mechanical strength. For the finishing layer, compositions incorporating hemp fiber with 1.5 % Dobak or HPC proved most appropriate. Specimens with 3 % binder, however, displayed surface staining and pronounced color differences, underscoring the necessity of careful binder selection for each application. These findings emphasize the importance of layer-specific mixing ratios in multilayered conservation systems. The study provides a scientific foundation for the long-term preservation of traditional murals and offers essential data for developing practical infill materials in conservation practice.

This study entailed non-destructive micro-computed tomography and chromaticity distribution (histogram) analysis of tomographic images with the aim of characterizing the physical properties including the internal structure and density of five samples of lime plaster collected from lime-comprised Goguryeo mural tombs dated to the 4th–6th centuries. Non-destructive micro-computed tomography analysis identified the layered structure of the walls, the distribution of component minerals, and the size and distribution of pores. Chromaticity distribution analysis of cross-sectional images identified density trends in component materials. Combining these methods is an effective research approach for determining the physical properties of plaster while minimizing damage to research materials.

This study elucidates the firing characteristics of Goryeo stoneware recovered from marine environments by correlating the mineralogical and microstructural features of the clay body with iron oxidation states. Crystal structure analysis revealed variations in constituent minerals, such as the presence or absence of alkali feldspar, mullite, and cristobalite, among sherds, enabling classification of samples into three groups: Groups 1, 2, and 3. Various physicochemical analyses then compared group characteristics. The results demonstrated that, with increasing firing temperature, pore morphology and frequency, as well as vitrification, differed across groups; open porosity and water absorption decreased, while specific gravity increased. Discriminant analysis of trace-element compositions indicated material similarities between the medium-temperature and high-temperature firing groups. In contrast, colorimetric measurements, major-element compositions, and Mössbauer spectroscopic results showed no clear trends corresponding to firing-temperature groups. This likely reflects stoneware production characteristics, where clay bodies derive from nonstandardized raw materials, such that compositional variation outweighs firing temperature effects. Subtle micro-firing environments within the kiln during production also contributed significantly.

Luminescence dating mainly depends on the firing temperature and raw materials used, Therefore, this study aimed to we analyze the thermoluminescence (TL) and multiwavelength optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) signals of three types of Korean ceramic samples-porcelain, celadon and buncheong. X-ray diffraction was used to identify their mineral phases. Measurements revealed distinct TL/OSL characteristics according to the material type and firing temperature. All samples fired at 600 °C exhibited a broad TL signal over a wide temperature range. Furthermore, TL peaks near 100 °C and 200 °C appeared in white porcelain and buncheong fired at 800 °C and 1200 °C, whereas celadon only exhibited a 100 °C peak with broadly distributed TL emissions. In addition, TL intensities substantially decreased in all materials fired at 1350 °C. For samples fired at 600 °C and 800 °C, OSL signals were clearly detected under infrared stimulation, likely due to residual feldspars. Porcelain exhibited the strongest OSL intensities at all firing temperatures, andits OSL signals were most sensitive to blue and ultravioletA(UVA) stimulation. By contrast, celadon and buncheong fired at 1200 °C exhibited very weak OSL intensities, while samples fired at 1350 °C produced no discernible OSL response. These observations indicate that to perform OSL dating of celadon and buncheong samples fired above 1200 °C further evaluations of signal intensity and sensitivity are necessary. The results confirm the potential applicability of UVA-OSL signals in luminescence dating of porcelain.

This study aims to evaluate the applicability and optimal conditions of fiber laser cleaning for safely removing urethane paint layers from fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) sculptures without damaging the substrate. Test specimens were fabricated to replicate the coating structure of actual artwork s, w ith v ariations i n color (black, white, r ed, indigo, yellow), t hick ness ( 100 a nd 2 00 μm), laser output, and number of irradiations. Thermogravimetric analysis determined the glass-transition temperature (39.2°C) and pyrolysis temperature (392.1°C) of FRP, establishing a safe irradiation range. Surface temperature changes were monitored using infrared thermometry under varying conditions, while coating removal and layer-by-layer tendencies were examined via digital microscopy. Results showed gradual removal of layers (base coat, primer, and substrate interface) depending on conditions. Highest efficiency without substrate damage was achieved with condition A and three irradiations for black specimens (due to high endothermic properties) and condition C and three irradiations for other colors. Removal efficiency decreased with increasing coating thickness under identical conditions. This study provides fundamental data for optimizing laser cleaning tailored to the material, color, and coating structure of synthetic resin artworks, with potential expansion to conserving modern composite-material artworks. This study evaluates the applicability and optimal conditions of fiber laser cleaning for safely removing urethane paint layers from fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) sculptures. Test specimens, fabricated using FRP substrates coated with urethane paint in various colors and thicknesses, replicated the coating structure of actual artworks. Experimental conditions varied by laser output and number of repetitions. Thermal behavior and layer-specific removal characteristics were analyzed via thermogravimetric analysis, infrared thermometry, and digital microscopy. Results confirmed selective removal of coating layers under appropriate laser conditions without substrate damage. This study provides fundamental data for establishing laser cleaning standards for modern synthetic resin sculptures.

In this study, seven excavated bronze artifacts were examined using optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, and Raman microspectroscopy to investigate the distribution characteristics of corrosion products. Based on the stratigraphic structure of the corrosion layers and the presence, absence, and morphology of the outer corrosion layer, the corrosion patterns were subdivided into Groups A–D. These groups were then compared with the corrosion types proposed by L. Robbiola and Omid Oudbashi, allowing the establishment of a more refined morphological classification system. In addition, the distribution of corrosion products was analyzed in relation to Cu–Sn and Cu–Sn–Pb alloy phases. The results demonstrate that corrosion morphology varies according to manufacturing techniques and alloy composition, and that different groups may coexist within a single artifact, indicating that variations in burial environment can also influence the corrosion form. These findings provide fundamental data for the comparative interpretation of corrosion patterns in excavated bronze artifacts and for future studies in conservation science