Knowledge of Conservation and Restoration

Research Paper Using Micro-Drilling as A Minimally Invasive Method in Examining the Condition of Historical Buildings

Sajjad Kalantari

To estimate the strength parameters of materials such as concrete and rock, the micro-drilling technique can be used to quantitatively and qualitatively check the comparative strength of historical monuments and to qualitatively evaluate various building materials in depth and in situ. This technique can be used as a relatively minimally invasive, non-destructive, fast and reliable method in the field of restoration and treatment of historical monuments. In this method, by drilling in millimeter dimensions of the building surface and simultaneously measuring various drilling parameters such as thrust force, torque, penetration rate and bit rotation speed, it is possible to assess the deep condition of historical monuments in terms of the amount of erosion and weathering caused by various climatic and environmental factors. There is also an examination of the quality of treatment before and after treatment. However, various studies as drilling resistance in other countries, it has not been used in our country yet. Now that the construction of this type of equipment has become more capable in the country, we can also benefit from this system in the field of restoration and treatment of historical monuments. Simultaneous measurement of several drilling parameters and use of its data can provide additional relative advantages, including controlling the effect of bit wear in this technique. Therefore, we have provided this possibility by constructing and developing a device with this capability. Using this technique to measure drilling resistance is affected by bit wear. In this paper, we will introduce this technique, present a method for estimating reliable and comparable drilling resistance, and assess the principles of using the method in this regard.

Research Paper Analysis of the Decuprification Process in the Corrosion Behavior of a Bronze Dagger

Parasto Naeimi Taraei

The study of corrosion mechanisms in ancient bronze artifacts, particularly those from the salty and humid region of Hormuz, is crucial due to severe corrosion. This article examines a bronze dagger attributed to excavations in Hormuz to analyze its corrosion behavior influenced by the environment. Techniques such as X-ray imaging, stereomicroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), polarized light microscopy (PLM), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) were employed. Results show that most of the dagger has transformed into corrosion products, including copper and tin oxides, as well as basic chloride compounds like atacamite and paratacamite, forming a three-layered corrosion structure. The corrosion mechanism involves selective dissolution of copper, its migration to outer layers, and the concentration of tin oxide compounds in the central regions, accompanied by chloride ion penetration. This process has preserved patterns of grain structure and thermal twinning in the inner oxide layers, with periodic deposition of copper and tin oxides indicating the formation of a colloidal solution of copper and tin salts beneath the soil (Scott, 2002; Robbiola et al., 1998).

Research Paper Reconstruction of Ancient Zinc Extraction Technology in Iran: Geochemical and Petrographic Analysis of Ceramic Nails and Smelting Slags from Bahabad, Yazd

Aminallah Kamali

The Bahabad zinc smelting site, located 71 km north of Bahabad in Yazd Province, Iran, spanning 220 m² within the Tabas-Posht-e-Badam metallogenic belt, is a key ancient metallurgical center. This study aims to identify the extracted metal, analyze metallurgical processes, and reconstruct the employed technologies through petrographic and geochemical analyses of ceramic nails and furnace slags. Thirty ceramic nails and 20 slag samples were collected, with five samples from each group selected for petrographic study and chemical analysis using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Petrographic results revealed that the ceramic nails, made from fired clay, exhibit a porphyritic texture with ~20% quartz and minor calcite, while slags contain fayalite (Fe₂SiO₄), melilite, pyroxene, and wüstite (FeO), indicating high-temperature, reducing conditions. Chemical analysis showed an average of 1.21% ZnO in nails, confirming their role in collecting zinc vapors as tutia (ZnO) over centuries, and 3.74% ZnO in slags, suggesting incomplete zinc extraction. Low lead (669 ppm in nails, 315 ppm in slags) and sulfur (1053 ppm in nails, 361 ppm in slags) concentrations indicate the use of oxidized ores like smithsonite (ZnCO₃) or hemimorphite rather than sulfides like sphalerite (ZnS), consistent with the region’s oxidized lead-zinc deposits. Two-tier furnaces, with a lower heating chamber and an upper perforated clay plate holding ceramic nails (10–20 cm long, 2–4 cm diameter), facilitated upward distillation. This technology contrasts with India’s downward distillation (sphalerite, square furnaces) and China’s condenser-based upward method (rectangular furnaces), highlighting Iran’s indigenous innovation using charcoal and ceramic nails. The study underscores the technology’s adaptation to local conditions and its significance in global metallurgical history.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Artificial Intelligence Concepts and Applications in Cultural Heritage and Arts – From Archaeology to the Metaverse Reality

Talhe Ghodousiyan

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have emerged as transformative tools in preserving, analyzing, and representing cultural heritage and arts. This article provides a systematic and comprehensive review of AI applications in this domain, exploring their potential to address longstanding challenges such as natural degradation, limited accessibility, and complex documentation. By integrating classical and advanced ML algorithms, we examine case studies including the Time Machine Europe project, the Ithaca model for ancient Greek texts, and metaverse-based heritage digitization. These initiatives demonstrate AI’s capacity to enhance precision, speed, and interactivity in heritage tasks, from virtual reconstruction to multimodal data analysis. However, limitations such as data quality, ethical concerns, and computational complexity pose significant barriers to widespread adoption. Emerging technologies like non-fungible tokens (NFTs), prompt engineering, and quantum AI are highlighted as future directions that promise further innovation. This study underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical frameworks to ensure sustainable advancements, offering a roadmap for researchers and policymakers in the digital era.

Technical Report Conservation-Restoration Practices in Trench 12 Excavations at Qara Tepe Sagzabad, Qazvin Plain (2018)

Ramin Mohammadi Sefidkhani

Conservation in archaeological excavations involves creative and rapid methods aimed at minimal intervention and maximum preservation of findings until their transfer to well-equipped and specialized laboratories. Given that the first professional interaction with discovered artifacts falls within the realm of conservation and restoration, and considering that all related actions, including comprehensive and scientific sampling, ensure the preservation of both hidden and visible data, it is essential to focus on expanding methods and practices in this field. The lack of reports on practical conservation measures in archaeological excavations, and occasionally the absence of specialists on-site or acceptable specialized actions, highlights the necessity of paying greater attention to this area. This article aims to document the conservation and restoration measures undertaken in Trench 12 of the Qareh Tepe Segaabad cemetery in the Qazvin Plain, detailing the processes of grave block-lifting, ceramic bandaging, stabilization and consolidation of ceramic, metal, and bone artifacts, and their retrieval. The tools used in the conservation and restoration of the mentioned trench include transparent adhesive tape, aluminum foil, various brushes, tweezers, cotton, polyester fibers, banana crates, injection syringes, jute sacks, wooden skewers, scalpel blades, and pipettes. The chemical materials used for joining, stabilization, and consolidation include alcohol, acetone, toluene, transparent epoxy adhesive (Ghaffari brand), Paraloid B72 resin, polyurethane resin, and plaster. Conservation in archaeological excavations involves creative and rapid methods aimed at minimal intervention and maximum preservation of findings until their transfer to well-equipped and specialized laboratories. Given that the first professional interaction with discovered artifacts falls within the realm of conservation and restoration, and considering that all related actions, including comprehensive and scientific sampling, ensure the preservation of both hidden and visible data, it is essential to focus on expanding methods and practices in this field. The lack of reports on practical conservation measures in archaeological excavations, and occasionally the absence of specialists on-site or acceptable specialized actions, highlights the necessity of paying greater attention to this area. This article aims to document the conservation and restoration measures undertaken in Trench 12 of the Qareh Tepe Segaabad cemetery in the Qazvin Plain, detailing the processes of grave block-lifting, ceramic bandaging, stabilization and consolidation of ceramic, metal, and bone artifacts, and their retrieval. The tools used in the conservation and restoration of the mentioned trench include transparent adhesive tape, aluminum foil, various brushes, tweezers, cotton, polyester fibers, banana crates, injection syringes, jute sacks, wooden skewers, scalpel blades, and pipettes. The chemical materials used for joining, stabilization, and consolidation include alcohol, acetone, toluene, transparent epoxy adhesive (Ghaffari brand), Paraloid B72 resin, polyurethane resin, and plaster.

Patent report Application of Eucalyptus Extract on Paper as a green Insect Repellent for Conservation of historical Textiles

Shahrzad Amin-Shirazi Nezhad

A novel method utilizing eucalyptus extract for the protection of woolen artifacts against invasive insects has been developed. This eco-friendly approach is highly compatible with environmental ecosystems, poses no risk to humans, and is safe for historical textiles. The application of this extract does not adversely affect the artifacts, their physical properties, appearance, or fiber strength. The eucalyptus extract is obtained using a Soxhlet extraction method with ethanol 96°, and neutral pH paper strips are impregnated with the extract. These eucalyptus-infused strips serve as an environmentally friendly, human-safe, and artifact-compatible insect repellent. They can be employed in various applications, such as packaging material, display linings, storage boxes, and protective layers between artifacts in storage. The production cost is low, and the method offers higher safety and efficacy compared to existing alternatives.