This slide show presents an overview of research conducted in the National Park Service by the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training. The Materials Conservation Program focuses on understanding materials, their decay processes, and treatments that will prolong their lifespan.

1. NCPTT
Materials Conservation
Mary F. Striegel
2014 Cultural Resources Advisory Group
Natchitoches, LA

2. You’re not sure NCPTT’s materials
conservation research can help
you preserve cultural resources

3. Three ways materials conservation
research can help you
Understand
materials
Study
Environments
Develop
Treatments

4. HOW DO CULTURAL MATERIALS
CHANGE OVER TIME?

5. Physical changes

6. Terrazzo Flooring

7. Laser profilometer

8. Chemical Changes

9. Air Pollution Studies

10. Deposition

11. Ion Chromatography

12. Biological changes

13. Biocide cleaners on grave markers

14. Biological testing

15. In the Field

16. HOW DO
CONDITIONS
AFFECT
CULTURAL
MATERIALS?

17. Environmental factors

18. Artificial weathering

19. Natural weathering

20. Respond to disasters

21. Crude oil and
cultural
heritage

22. Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Floods

23. Build on existing information

24. 3D
scanning
of objects

25. DOD Standards

26. WHAT TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED TO
PRESERVE MATERIALS?

27. Evaluate commercial treatments

28. Paint primer systems

29. Rust converters

30. Graffiti removal

31. Develop
new treatments

32. NSF Grant on POSS polymers

33. Intermittent misting

34. Laser cleaning
studies

35. Conduct hands-on events

36. Conferences: Fountains

37. Workshops: Cemeteries

38. Internships

39. Conclusions
Knowing your
materials
Understanding
the
environment
Applying
appropriate
treatments
NCPTT’s Materials Research can help you make
better preservation decisions by