Conservation of Wood and Restoration of Artifacts Against Wood Destroying Organisms

Abstract

Conservation of wood and restoration of artifacts against wood destroying organisms has been the greatest priority of any woodworker so far as a man greatly relies on wood products to satisfy almost every need. Since the creation of the universe, wood-destroying organisms have been with us, and have over the years caused great catastrophes that bring bad memories to several people, notable is the dunes of Holland and Columbus. Many research papers have been written by scholars across the globe concerning this topic under discussion. Those materials either talk about insects that cause damage, or the processes of conserving and restoring wood and wood products. In bridging this gap, the study aims at educating people on how to control wood and wood products from getting entirely damaged by insects. In achieving this, the study sought to outline some common but dangerous wood-destroying insects, appropriate preservation materials, and the processes to adopt in controlling the damage. In this regard, the study adopted Content Analysis in the investigation, analyses, and composition of the concept. The study divulged that insect like termites, beetles, ants, bees, etc. as well as fungi and bacteria cause destruction or damage to wood and wood products. Preservation materials like lindane, pentachlorophenol, alkaline chloride, sodium chloride, fluorosilicates, boric acid, potassium dichromate, sodium dichromate, tars, kerosene, Bassa, DDT, etc. were also revealed to be effective and reliable in conserving and restoring wood and wood products by the study. These preservation materials can be applied on wood and wood products by either; fine and coarse spraying, brushing, smoking, soaking or dipping, impregnation, injection, infusion, and so on. If the right preservative is selected and the right application method is employed, treatment will last to achieve the prevention of insects and restoring the damaged wood or wood product into a desirable form. The study is expected to serve as reference material in helping the general public, particularly woodworkers and users of wood items to know how to control certain insects attack using the appropriate, effective and reliable preservation material (s) by employing the right preservation process. As instructive research, the authors recommend extensive further studies be done by singling out each preservation material against the methods of preservation to help craftsmen and product users to know which preservation material is appropriate, its advantages and disadvantages for a particular work while employing the right method.

New frontiers review of some recent conservation techniques of organic and inorganic archaeological artefacts against microbial deterioration

“…Chemical investigation proved that it significantly depletes holocellulose causing enzymatic unlocking of the lignocellulose to get access to the holocellulose portion of the cell wall leading to chemical alterations in the lignin polymer ( Pedersen et al, 2021 ). Appiah-Kubi et al (2021) recorded the preservation of wood and restoration of artifacts against wood-destructive organisms. Additionally, Broda and Hill (2021) noted the need to conserve waterlogged timber by utilizing some modern, environmentally friendly preservatives and effectively protecting old timber objects ( Broda et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Lindane, pentachlorophenol, alkaline chloride, sodium chloride, fluorosilicates were found to be reliable and effective materials for preserving and restoring wood and wood-based products. These methods included fine and coarse spraying, brushing, smoking, soaking or dipping, impregnation, injection, and infusion ( Appiah-Kubi et al, 2021 ).…”