Preliminary Study on the Feasibility of Radiation Technique for Mural Protection

Murals are a significant cultural heritage of humanity, and one the conservation studies is to control growth microorganisms. General biocide agents can be used preserve murals while also providing new organic carbon sources increasing environmental pollution. In recent years, radiation technology has shown promising prospects for use in protection. Five microorganisms often found were irradiated with an electron beam this study, six mineral pigments tested color change, Raman spectra pigment layer cohesion after irradiation. The result showed that irradiation at 20 kGy basically eliminate Pseudomonas citronellolis, Bacillus sporothermodurans, Streptomyces vinaceus, griseolus from culture medium, but only inhibited Penicillium flavigenum. Lead white difference 5.56 (∆E*97) irradiation, lead tetroxide, azurite, malachite, ferrous oxide, cinnabar no visible changes. unirradiated samples same. E-beam did not affect surface layer. This preliminary work shows potential electron-beam mural protection provides basic research relevant experience subsequent situ work.