| Egyptian Journal of Archeological and Restoration Studies

Authors:
Khalifa N. ¹ (*), El Hadidi N. ² , Hamdy R. ³ , Abd El-sadek M.S. ⁴ & Mohamed, W. <sup>5

1</sup> Royal Carriage Museum, Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities, Egypt
² Organics Conservation dept., Faculty of Archaeology, Cairo Univ., Giza, Egypt
³ Botany & Microbiology dept., Faculty of Science, Cairo Univ., Giza; Biological Sciences dept., Faculty of Science, Galala Univ., Galala University, New Galala City, Suez
⁴ Nanomaterial Lab., Physics dept., Faculty of Science, South Valley Univ., Qena, Egypt; Physics dept. Faculty of Science, Galala Univ., New Galala City, Suez
⁵ Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities, Egypt

Abstract:
Plant fibers are organic materials that require advanced conservation strategies to ensure their long-term preservation and stability. Although plant-based materials are widely used in archaeological artifacts, there are very few studies that focus specifically on how to treat and preserve them. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the use of green, nanoparticle-based treatments on three common types of leaves found in ancient floral bouquets—namely persea, olive, and date palm—by using visual inspection, pH, color change and contact angle measurements, in addition to ATR-FTIR analysis. This preliminary study highlights the potential of Klucel E combined with plant extracts and nanoparticles (NPs) as an effective conservation strategy for plant leaves. Visual assessment and examination of the samples revealed distinct color changes and variations unique to each plant type. The abs-orption of the treated fibers to the consolidation materials, is confirmed in the ATR-FTIR spectra by the increase in intensity due to the application of treatment materials. The results demonstrated significant changes in the surface morphology, and moisture resistance of the treated fibers, with vari-ations depending on the leaf type. Olive leaves exhibited the most pronounced color changes, particularly with the addition of MgO NPs and ZnO NPs, while minimal color changes were observed in persea leaves. However, pH measurements confirmed that the applied treatments contributed to a chemically stable environment, supporting the preservation process. Among all tested formulations, the most effective treatment was Klucel E combined with plant extract, followed by Klucel E with plant extract and MgO NPs.

Keywords:
Persea Olive Klucel E Plant extracts Green conservation MgO NPs ZnO NPs

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