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Abstract of Applied Sciences and Engineering

June 2016, Volume 9, 9, pp 3-4

The Soiling Defects of Airborne Particulates towards Museum Artefacts: Insight from a Literature Review

Nur Baiti Mat Husin, Shamzani Affendy Mohd Din, Rashidi Othman

Nur Baiti Mat Husin 1
Shamzani Affendy Mohd Din 2
Rashidi Othman 3

  1. Postgraduate candidate, Kulliyyah of Architecture & Environmental Design, International Islamic University Malaysia 1

  2. Asst. Prof. Dr. Shamzani Affendy Mohd Din, Department of Applied Arts & Design Kulliyyah of Architecture & Environmental Design, International Islamic University Malaysia 2

  3. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rashidi Othman, Department of Landscape Architecture, Kulliyyah of Architecture & Environmental Design, International Islamic University Malaysia 3


Abstract:

The conservation of artefacts and its protection against possible damage from air pollution is of increasing concern. Soiling is considered harmful for the artefact as it happened when the airborne particulates deposited onto the surface of artefacts. The conservation literature suggests that deposited airborne material can attack collections chemically. Therefore high particle concentrations should be avoided in museum. Moreover, air filtration devices are characteristically remove coarse particles quite efficiently, but often leave the fine soot-containing fraction uncollected.  Hence, it is indicated that soiling particles were not effectively removed by the filters in the air-conditioning systems studied.  Based on Department of Museum Malaysia (DMM) Annual Report 2013, there is a huge amount of money allocated for acquiring asset of the museums. This shows that value of each artefact in the museums are expensive and should be conserved properly to prevent any damages that will lead to degradation of its own value. This paper reviewed literature published in journals and conference proceedings in the atmospheric environment and conservation field. The aim of the paper is to review the physical and chemical characterisations of airborne particulates which affect the soiling of artefact in National Museum and Textiles Museum, Kuala Lumpur. The objectives are to measure and quantify the airborne particulate matters found in indoor atmosphere of museum, to identify the physical mechanism that governs the transfer of airborne particles to the surface of artefact, to measure the rates of soiling for a range of artefacts and to propose the approaches to reduce the soiling defect of artefacts. The literature review examines the typology of world museums and Malaysia museums as well as the types of artefacts and its deterioration due to airborne particulates. An introduction to these topics is followed by an investigation on the relationship between airborne particulates and soiling defect. A look at the basis of organic and inorganic artefact is also undertaken to determine which types of artefact absorb more particulates to become soiled. Also examined is the museum ventilation system which may affect the concentration of airborne particulates inside the building. The method used to achieve the objectives of the research involves 4 key activities which are data collection through museum typology study, scientific data collections using Cyclone sampler, Cascade Impactor and 7 Holes sampler. Then, the data analysis and analytical analysis will be conducted using SEM, TEM, ICPMS and FTIR as to determine the quantity and elements within an airborne particulates sample.  After analysing, the data will be systematically distilled and integrated to draw conclusions using AnalySIS Software. Moreover, the significant finding of the research is the soiling rates of airborne particulates in National Museum and Textile Museum, Kuala Lumpur.  The findings will assist future research to come up with variety of solution and techniques to control the rate of particle depositing to surfaces of artefact as many of the techniques have low associated costs, and some are even yield savings. Hence, this will save up the National budget in terms of preservation cost.

Keywords:

Air pollution, Airborne particulates, Soiling defect, Artefact, Museum.

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