A variety of materials and methods have been used to preserve ceramic vessels. Many have proven successful, while others are damaging. Monitoring and evaluation of past treatments is a documented research priority in the conservation field. The Arizona State Museum (ASM) has examined, recorded and analyzed the performance of past treatments on 20,000 southwest vessels and a modern storage facility.

This research has afforded the opportunity to look forwards and backwards to identify patterns in archaeological methods, museum management and conservation.

We do not advocate the use of shaving cream for investigating inscriptions on stone. The shaving cream has natural emollients for softening the skin. These emollients have oils and moisture holding agents that can have detrimental effects on the stone.

NCPTT and Hybrid Plastics are partnering to make and use POSS modified polymers in preservation applications. Researchers and preservationists discussed the potential of developing new nanotechnologies for application to preservation problems.

Recent research reveals bacteria may be the biggest ally in the fight to preserve ancient artifacts from erosion and deterioration.

Limewash is enjoying renewed interest as a protectant for historic structures, thanks in part to research undertaken by NCPTT and its partners.

Carol Chin has joined NCPTT as a joint faculty researcher in the National Center’s Materials Research Program. The position is held in partnership with Northwestern State University of Louisiana

This six minute video explains how to prepare and apply limewash.

Knowledge of material properties, reactivity and history can be crucial to conservation treatment success and safety.

The AIC polled its membership in May 1996 via a mail-survey to provide an updated and refined list of the most critical needs for research and training in the field of materials conservation.

This study evaluates the physical effects of drying waterlogged archaeological wood using supercritical carbon dioxide as compared to air drying and the polyethlene gylcol (PEG)/freeze drying method.

NCPTT’s materials research program hosted representatives from Hybrid Plastics. The company specializes in new resin and plastics based on a new chemical technology called POSS.

Stace Miller, a longtime undergraduate intern at NCPTT, received a B.S. in chemistry and an B.S. in Math from Northwestern State University of Louisiana on May 9.

NCPTT will host four interns in its materials research program this summer: Molly McGath, Catherine Arseneaux, Candida D’Avanzo, and Paige Isaacs.

Mary Striegel of NCPTT presented at the 2008 Louisiana Library Association Annual Meeting, held March 4-6 in Shreveport.

Materials Research Chief Mary Striegel and Materials Conservator Jason Church conduct a TEL NPS course “Essentials in Cemetery Monument Care.”

NCPTT is now advertising its 2008 summer internship opportunities in architecture and engineering, archeology and collections, heritage education, historic landscapes and materials conservation.

Caleb Johnson recently joined NCPTT’s materials research program as a graduate assistant.

Dr. Catherine Situma joined the NCPTT materials research program in the NCPTT/NSU joint faculty position.

Materials Research Chief Mary Striegel and Materials Conservator Jason Church conduct a TEL NPS course “Essentials in Cemetery Monument Care” broadcast on January 30, 2007.

NCPTT materials research staff Dr. Tye Botting and Sarah Jackson presented research at the annual APTI conference on Sept. 15, 2006, in Atlanta.