Conservation soft box and other tailor-made solutions for archaeological finds
Archaeological finds are important traces of the past that, beyond their ancient allure, represent an invaluable cultural heritage rich in essential information for researchers. However, they can be irreparably damaged over time, even in places where they should be safe, such as within museums. Several factors – including humidity, temperature, chemical substances and microorganisms – can cause irreversible damage, making it essential to adopt innovative strategies for their proper preservation.
From this premise arises the study coordinated by the Institute for Mummy Studies of Eurac Research, in collaboration with Eco Research, to develop a conservation soft box capable of ensuring an optimal environment for the preservation and transport of organic archaeological finds, such as textiles, paper, and human remains. The study compared different types of materials to quantify their chemical inertia – meaning the absence of reactive substance release – combined with the use of activated carbon absorbent traps to minimize the presence of volatile organic compounds inside the cases. The results made it possible to select the most suitable plastic material to create a fully airtight chamber, free of metal parts, transparent, chemically inert, and cost-effective.
In this way, the preservation of the finds inside is guaranteed, while also allowing radiographic analyses to be carried out without further exposure to the external atmosphere, or the application of specific conservation treatments, such as humidity and oxygen regulation.
A simple yet highly effective idea that paves the way for tailor-made conservation of archaeological finds!
In the photo, a practical example of a Conservation Soft Box specifically made for two mummified individuals (Kha and Merit) at the ME–Museo Egizio in Turin.
A B S T R A C T
Ensuring the long-term preservation of cultural heritage, in accordance with conservation standards in museum collections, is a complex challenge that demands conservators to address various critical issues. Particularly, organic findings (e.g., textiles, paper, wood, human remains) require special measures to prevent chemical-physical and microbiological deterioration because of their delicate nature. One of the factors contributing to their degradation is the emission of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emitted for example by materials normally used in museum showcases, which contribute significantly to corrosive processes. Although numerous studies have been conducted to understand VOCs, there are currently no conservation systems available that provide adequate insulation and ensure complete protection against pollutants and degenerative agents. This study demonstrates how modern analytical techniques, and innovative polymeric materials have enabled the design and creation of a new storage system for the preservation of cultural heritage. This is the Conservation Soft Box (CSB), a device with a high level of tightness that allows the reproduction of customised environments tailored to specific conservation requirements. CSB’s constructive materials were validated for their low emissions of VOCs demonstrating compliance with safety standards. Additionally, a solution with activated carbon was tested to remove latent VOCs, which proved to be completely effective. In conclusion, the proposed innovative conservation system could represent a promising advancement in the preservation of cultural heritage, as its chemical safety, constructional versatile and cost-effective, and facilitates the procurement of suitable materials.