Conserving Ropes from the Phanom-Surin Shipwreck in Thailand: Case Study on Storage and Exhibition at the National Museum of Thailand
Dublin Core
Title
Conserving Ropes from the Phanom-Surin Shipwreck in Thailand: Case Study on Storage and Exhibition at the National Museum of Thailand
Description
There are several important factors to consider when studying appropriate conservation methods for fibers in
museum exhibitions or storage. This research focused on investigating the potential of using Trehalose and
polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG4000) as treatments for shipwreck rope fibers in Thailand's museums. The
efficacy of these treatments was evaluated by using a twisted fiber thread to tie the torpedo jar. The initial
desalinated fibers were subjected to three groups: untreated rope was dried at room temperature, ropes conserved
with Trehalose, and ropes conserved with PEG4000. Identical concentrations of both the Trehalose and
PEG4000 solutions started at a concentration of 25 percent brix then increased progressively to 40 percent and
60 percent brix.
We employed four different analyses. We used scanning electron microscopy to study morphological properties.
Prior to treatment and after treatment we compared numerical evaluation of the colour change using ΔE* values
(CIE L*a*b* system). We recorded reflectance using wavelengths of white light ranges (380-780 nm). We used
differential scanning calorimetry technique for thermal properties.
The results indicate the Trehalose fibers had a melting temperature of 192.8°C and exhibited less change in
colour and reflectance compared to the others. The PEG4000 fibers had a melting temperature at 59.3°C.
Trehalose had higher thermal properties compared to PEG4000. Thus, Trehalose is an appropriate conservation
material for ropes and other fiber-based materials that are stored or displayed in environments with high
humidity and temperature, such as the case in Thailand.
museum exhibitions or storage. This research focused on investigating the potential of using Trehalose and
polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG4000) as treatments for shipwreck rope fibers in Thailand's museums. The
efficacy of these treatments was evaluated by using a twisted fiber thread to tie the torpedo jar. The initial
desalinated fibers were subjected to three groups: untreated rope was dried at room temperature, ropes conserved
with Trehalose, and ropes conserved with PEG4000. Identical concentrations of both the Trehalose and
PEG4000 solutions started at a concentration of 25 percent brix then increased progressively to 40 percent and
60 percent brix.
We employed four different analyses. We used scanning electron microscopy to study morphological properties.
Prior to treatment and after treatment we compared numerical evaluation of the colour change using ΔE* values
(CIE L*a*b* system). We recorded reflectance using wavelengths of white light ranges (380-780 nm). We used
differential scanning calorimetry technique for thermal properties.
The results indicate the Trehalose fibers had a melting temperature of 192.8°C and exhibited less change in
colour and reflectance compared to the others. The PEG4000 fibers had a melting temperature at 59.3°C.
Trehalose had higher thermal properties compared to PEG4000. Thus, Trehalose is an appropriate conservation
material for ropes and other fiber-based materials that are stored or displayed in environments with high
humidity and temperature, such as the case in Thailand.
Creator
Natchaya Pattanasuttirat
Kunthida Chimma
Puangporn Srisomboon
Monchalus Pitisinchoochai
Publisher
The Museum of Underwater Archaeology
Date
2023
Language
English
Bibliographic Citation
Pattanasuttirata, Natchaya, Kunthida Chimmab, Puangporn Srisomboon, and Monchalus Pitisinchoochai. 2023. “Conserving Ropes from the Phanom-Surin Shipwreck in Thailand: Case Study on Storage and Exhibition at the National Museum of Thailand.” Edited by Jennifer Craig, Jay Mok and T. Kurt Knoerl. In Proceedings of Fifth Asia Pacific Regional Conference on Underwater Cultural Heritage: Gwangju, The Republic of Korea, November 13-18 2023. The Museum of Underwater Archaeology. URL: https://apconf.omeka.net/exhibits/show/apconfproceedings/item/1908
Files
Citation
Natchaya Pattanasuttirat et al., “Conserving Ropes from the Phanom-Surin Shipwreck in Thailand: Case Study on Storage and Exhibition at the National Museum of Thailand,” Asia Pacific Regional Conference on Underwater Cultural Heritage Proceedings, accessed May 12, 2025, https://apconf.omeka.net/items/show/1908.