Knowledge of Conservation and Restoration

Cathodoluminescence Microscopy for Interpreting the Technology and Provenance of Archaeological Objects (Case Studies; Pottery and the Stone)

Mohammad Amin Emami

It is a study of the microstructure of ancient materials that will be investigated using catholuminescence microscopy. The importance of
this method is in the identification of historical materials based on the observation and analysis of structures that are not observable in other
methods of microscopic studies. The cathodoluminescence properties of materials and their microscopic observation can be used both in the analysis of production technology and concerning the historical origin of materials. This study examined several samples of prehistoric and historic ceramics from Haft Tappeh, ChoghaZanbil, Persepolis and some stones from the Pasargadae foundation. The thermal regime and temperature of the pottery are determined based on the type of crystalline material in the pottery matrix and the phase changes during cooking, to interpret the technology and origin of the pottery. On the other hand, identification of the luminescence characters created by the minerals in the carbonate rocks of the Pasargadae and their similarity to the possible mineral rocks in the area (Abolverdi Mine), can provide useful information in identifying the origin of the rocks used in this building. To determine the microscopic applications of catholuminescence, all the materials studied were first studied using standard laboratory methods, such as optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermal studies to determine the phase changes of crystalline and mineral phases and determine the firing temperature of the pottery. Complementary results based on catholuminescence microscopy indicate the observation of the process of crystalline changes and the heating of the pottery matrix based on the type and quality of the raw materials used and their similarities and differences in the pottery texture. Also, the observation of the microstructures of the rocks based on their mineralogy and microfossils which were contained in it and are not normally visible, provides useful information about the similarity of the types of stones used in the construction of Pasargadae with the rock outcrops from the mines around Pasargadae.

Feasibility of Using Hydrophobic Coatings in the Protection of Adobe

Reza Vahidzadeh

The erosion of adobe heritage under the influence of natural factors, especially rainfall and humidity, is one of the most important challenges in the conservation of this heritage today. Alongside traditional options for the protection of adobe heritage, such as the use of straw plaster, in recent years, various chemical products have been marketed for the protection of building materials and components, especially against the threat of moisture, and consequently, serious tendencies have been expressed in the field of evaluating these materials in the field of conservation and restoration. Therefore, the scientific evaluation of the properties of these materials seems necessary for their judicious use. Since many of the chemical materials available in the market are mainly designed for the protection of stone and brick, it seemed necessary to conduct this study in order to protect adobe materials and optimize the penetration of these materials into the adobe texture. In this research, considering the need to increase the resistance of adobes against moisture, the hydrophobic properties of four different commercial products with the names of Stain Repellent AKEMI, SRP130, PTS+ and Long Life, were evaluated and compared with each other on the structure
of adobes. The results of the research showed that although all the commercial materials studied provide the possibility of significantly increasing the resistance of adobe against moisture, the Long-Life material has a higher ability to penetrate and hydrophobize adobes compared to other chemical products. This issue can significantly increase the surface resistance of the adobe against both long-term contact with moisture and against mechanical erosion factors. The results of this research can be used as a basis for future studies in the direction of localizing chemical materials for the protection of adobe works and optimizing their application in the conservation and restoration of adobe historical buildings.

Plant Essential Oils a New Approach in Preventing and Controlling the Biodeterioration of Cultural Heritage

Azam Aliasghari Veshareh

Biodeterioration results from complex interactions between living organisms and various organic and inorganic substrates, which cause physical and chemical changes on the substrate. These changes are strongly related to the metabolic activities of living organisms. Finding a proper approach against biodeterioration is often difficult, and requires understanding the type of changes and used methods, which should be not harmful for artworks, human health and the environment. In this this article, Reliable databases such as Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science were used for information gathering. Physical, mechanical and chemical methods are used to control biodeterioration. Synthetic chemical biocides are often used, but due to their toxicity and environmental hazards, their use is now restricted. New researches focus on alternative solutions with minimal adverse effects. Plants contain natural chemical compounds such as essential oils, phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, coumarins, tannins, etc., which are commonly used as drugs, bioactive molecules and nutrients. This study aims to review existing research on the effect of plant essential oils on biodeteriogenic microorganisms of cultural heritage.

Authentication of Museum Artifacts Based on Non-Destructive Studies at the Dafineh Museums Group (DMG)

Yasin Sedghi

The use of non-destructive methods has become one of the most important topics in the field of scientific studies related to the conservation and restoration of historical artifacts. Because the use of such methods has included a large amount of research in this field due to respect for the artifacts themselves and the avoidance of structural interference. This approach is central to the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage. This paper aims to define and apply a targeted methodology for selecting museum artifacts for display, exhibition, or storage in collections. Furthermore, this article examines the practices of the Dafineh Museums Group regarding the non-destructive analyses conducted on the artifacts in their possession. The research conducted is categorized into two types: portable instrumental methods and technical imaging
methods, developed to support conservation goals, museum display, and authentication of existing artifacts. Therefore, this paper briefly
reports on the major activities undertaken based on the principles of scientific conservation.

Investigating Raman Spectroscopy for Studies in the Field of Cultural Heritage

Nazli Darkhal

Raman microscopy is a powerful, rapid, and non-destructive technique that enables chemical microanalysis and chemical imaging (chemical mapping). These features make Raman microscope an ideal and widely used tool in research and analytical laboratories. Raman analysis is based on the interaction of light with the chemical bonds of the sample and measures the spectrum corresponding to each point of the sample. The Raman signature is obviously dependent on the wavelengths of the excitation and reaction with the substrates. Therefore, each chemical compound has its own characteristic Raman spectrum, and in this way, qualitative and quantitative information can be obtained for each material. This instrumental analysis method, which is also considered non-destructive, can be perform the necessary
study on an object without the need for sampling. Therefore, it is a very suitable method for studying exquisite historical artifacts that are practically impossible to sampling, and today it is of great interest to art and history researchers. The use of this method in the field of cultural heritage (such as restoration, archaeology, and architecture) is generally for identifying and analysis of the constituent materials of art and historical artifacts. Like other methods, it also has its drawbacks and limitations, along with its numerous advantages. Investigating and evaluating the characteristics of historical artifacts and their constituent components with regard to the fields of structure, technology, and pathology using non-destructive analysis (NDT) is one of the most important and considered aspects in archaeometry. In this article, the application of Raman in identifying ancient artifacts, including minerals, stones, patinas and corrosive products, glass, pottery, mortar, paint, adhesives, resin, paper, parchment, ink, and human remains, is examined. Examples of laboratory studies using the micro-Raman spectrometer of the Research Center for Conservation of Cultural Relics are also provided. Microspectrometry and SERS testing can be considered appropriate answer to archaeometric and conservation questions for each category of objects, using specific spectral parameters along with the latest advancements.

Zeolite Modification by Glow Discharge Plasma and its Ap-plication in the Restoration of Historical Monuments

Lida Taghizadeh

The restoration of historical monuments and the preservation of the culture of each country becomes a national duty. Considering masonry materials of traditional Iranian architecture include clay and adobe with low strength, methods such as Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP), waterproofed mud, and the addition of natural materials like zeolite are proposed for restoration and strengthening. The zeolite used has a low specific surface area, which has increased from 23.92 to 45.16 m2/g through plasma modification, Additionally, it has modified the morphology to a fiber-like shape with no essential differences in the primary structure. Given these changes, it is expected that there will be an increase in strength and a minimum of 1.5 times lower water absorption in zeolite-based mortars.

From Bundarabad to New York: The Untold Story of a Historic Tombstone

Vahid Aghaie

In Gallery No. 455 of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA, there is a historical tombstone, originally said to be from Yazd, Iran. The inscription on the stone dates to 759 AH. According to information provided by the museum on its website, the tombstone is attributed to a man named «Sheikh Mahmoud ibn Sada Muhammad,» who is described as the leader of a religious brotherhood. However, the study of the stone›s inscriptions, which, fortunately, are fully available
in both the original script and translation (Arabic and English) thanks to the museum, offers clues for further research into the true owner and the story behind it. Research into the gathered information, beginning with the inscriptions on the tombstone, reveals that the stone actually belongs to Sheikh Mahmoud ibn Taqi al-Din Dada Muhammad Yazdi, one of the great leaders of the Dada’iya Sufi order in Yazd, and a renowned Sufi of medieval Islamic Iran. His name and lineage have been mistakenly recorded, and the name of the Sufi order under his leadership, «Dada’iya,» was erroneously interpreted as a common colloquial term for «brother» in the local dialects of central Iran, particularly in cities like Isfahan and Yazd, where «Dadash» and «Dada» are used informally. This error led to his misidentification as the head of a religious brotherhood. According to descriptions from scholars based on local accounts, the tombstone—along with other gravestones of disciples and sheikhs of the Dada’iya order buried around Mahmoud Shah in the Bundarabad complex in Yazd—was taken abroad at an unknown time, likely in the late 19th to early 20th century, and later ended up in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. This research note presents a description and narrative of this tombstone and the life of its owner, a story that begins in Bundarabad, Yazd, and continues in New York, USA.

Revival the Knowledge of Conservation and Restoration Journal: Process, Actions, and Achievements

Mehdi Razani

The Knowledge of Conservation and Restoration Journal, as one of the specialized journals in the field of conservation and restoration of historical and cultural heritage, began its activities in the spring of 2017. With the aim of publishing the latest scientific findings, research, and experiences related to the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage, the journal has gained a distinguished position among researchers, conservators, and enthusiasts in this field after publishing more than 22 issues. However, after the release of its first issue in the spring of 2017, the journal faced interruptions in
its publication schedule; the second issue was published in the spring of 2018, and the third issue in the spring of 2019. These prolonged interruptions caused the journal to deviate from its regular publication cycle and completely halt its activities for four years. This four-year hiatus resulted in a backlog of 16 issues, until the journal resumed its activities in the summer of 2023 with fundamental changes in its structure and approach. These changes not only led to the revival
of the journal but also placed it in a stable and progressive state. In this note, we will examine the revival process, the actions taken, and express our gratitude to the esteemed colleagues who accomplished this significant task within eight months. After eight months of operation, the journal successfully entered the evaluation process of scientific journals by the Iranian Ministry of Science & technology ubsequently, in February of 2025 it was awarded and recognized with a **Grade B** ranking.