Naslov
Irradiation treatment for the protection and conservation of cultural artefacts in Croatia

Autori
Katušin-Ražem, Branka ; Ražem, Dušan ; Braun, Mario

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, znanstveni

Izvornik
Conference Handbook, 15th International Meeting on Radiation Processing, IMRP London 2008 / - London : Delhi : Reviss and Isotron, 2008, 145-146

Skup
15th International Meeting on Radiation Processing

Mjesto i datum
London, Ujedinjeno Kraljevstvo, 21.09.2008. - 25.09.2008

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Poster

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
Croatia; cultural heritage artefacts; disinfestation; gamma irradiation

Sažetak
Organic materials are susceptible to biological damage by the action of bacteria, moulds, yeasts, fungi, insects, algae, etc. This is a pronounced problem in the conservation and protection of objects of cultural and artistic heritage made of degradable materials such as wood, paper, leather, textiles, parchment etc. Traditional method of inactivation of harmful organisms has been the fumigation with poisonous gases. However, their use has been banned recently and treatment with ionizing radiation has been established as a successful substitute for disinfestation and decontamination.The biocidal effect of irradiation is based on the chemical damage inflicted to DNA, the genetic material of all biological contaminants. Low irradiation doses necessary for the inactivation of contaminating organisms do not cause chemical changes of the materials themselves. The method became widely public in 1978 upon the presentation of gamma irradiation of Ramses II mummy, which had been performed by the Nucleart Laboratory, Grenoble, France, and reported at the 5th Triennial Meeting of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), which took place in Zagreb. The activities of the Nucleart Laboratory, Grenoble, as well as of the Conservation Radiation Facility, Museum of Central Bohemia, Roztoky, Praha, Czech Republic, were leading the way in the applications of irradiation for the protection of cultural objects for 30 years. The Ruder Boskovic Institute also owns a suitable multipurpose panoramic 60Co irradiation facility operated by the Radiation Chemistry and Dosimetry Laboratory. After a significant upgrading of the gamma source to 50.000 Ci od 60Co in 1983, it has become possible to perform both research and service irradiations, including decontamination and disinfestation of various objects. During the past twenty-five years more than 5000 wooden sculptures, parts of altars, pieces of furniture, musical instruments and other wooden, paper, textile and leather items were treated in the facility. The participation of and cooperation with the Croatian Conservation Institute and Department of Restauration, Academy of Fine Arts, University of Zagreb, as well as with other interested parties were essential for those activities. A pronounced joint activity was the salvation of polychromic sculptures damaged during the Patriotic War in Croatia (1991-1995). Another joint activity has been the dissemination of knowledge about the method at professional seminars. Presently we are taking part in education at all levels. Lectures at the Bachelors level course with demonstrations at our irradiation facility have been taking place for 10 years since the beginnings of the Department of Restauration of the Academy of Fine Arts. We are also taking part in the organization of doctoral studies in restauration at the University of Dubrovnik. Our activities were acknowledged at several exibitions of restored polycromic sculptures. We continue to offer consulting services to all parties interested in the irradiation method. We are currently participating in an international co-operation through the IAEA regional project: RER/1/006: Nuclear Techniques for the Protection of Cultural Heritage Artefacts in the Mediterranean Region.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kemija

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