Evaluación de tratamientos de limpieza para la eliminación de depósitos calcáreos en cerámicas arqueológicas

Abstract

The removal of calcareous deposits is one of the most common interventions in conservation-restoration. However, current treatments are similar to the ones developed from the 70s onwards, even though they can imply transformations in ceramic pieces. Within this project, treatments based on current criteria have been designed, comparing direct and indirect application methods of traditional cleaning products, as acids and chelating agents. Besides, their efficacy and safety have been checked thanks to a scientific analysis methodology which allowed to determine the changes occurred in ceramic specimens made ad hoc, as well as in original archaeological ceramics, from the archaeological site of Guarrazar (Toledo). With this purpose, their chemical and mineralogical composition have been studied. On the other hand, their physical, petrographic and hydric properties have been established, as colour, micro-roughness and open porosity. The selected techniques include non-destructive ones (NDT), as they can also be used in original pieces without damaging them. The results obtained will allow to determine the best treatments regarding both cleaning efficacy and ceramic pieces stability, in the short and mid-term.