SEM and microanalysis in the study of historical technology, materials and conservation

Tuesday 12 January 2010 (Categories: Non ICOM/ICOM-CC)

SEM and microanalysis in the study of historical technology, materials and conservation

British Museum, London 9-10 September 2010

The Department of Conservation and Scientific Research at the British Museum invites the participation of all those with an involvement or interest in the application of scanning electron microscopy and microanalysis (SEM-EDX) to the study of materials, manufacturing methods and deterioration processes of objects from ancient through to contemporary cultures. Topics that might be covered include the study of museum collections, archaeological finds and artists' materials. The purpose of this SEM and microanalysis meeting is to explore the huge influence that these techniques have had over the decades on the understanding of the material technologies of such objects and on the conservation and preservation of these materials for the long-term benefit of world cultural heritage. The sessions will also provide the opportunity to look forward to future applications and developments of the techniques in these areas.

Call for papers: Papers and posters are invited from all aspects of these disciplines, which are often used with other complementary optical microscopy techniques, Raman, XRF, XRD, etc., to provide a full technological understanding of the materials and processes from antiquity to contemporary collections. There will be eight sessions over the two days which will cover the following three main themes under which fall a wide range of possible topics. The symposium will be conducted in English, and will include both oral and poster presentations. The organising committee intend to publish the proceedings of the conference.

1. Materials, technology & manufacturing processes: Metals; ceramics; stone; glass; organics, textiles and paper; modern materials; pigments and artists' materials; environmental archaeology and mineralogy; tool-marks, wear and evidence of use; coinage; jewellery; manufacturing processes and workshop techniques (e.g. goldsmithing).

2. Conservation: Condition of objects, repair methods and materials, physical and chemical treatments, environmental and preventive conservation issues, materials testing and evaluation, corrosion and degradation, new conservation treatments.

3. New applications and instrumental developments: New applications of variable pressure/environmental SEM and high resolution FEG SEM to the study and conservation of materials from antiquity to contemporary collections including integrated/hybrid systems.

To register your interest in attending SEM2010 or to receive further information, or to be sent a form for the submission of abstracts for oral and poster presentations please contact info@sem2010.org.uk. The deadline for submission of abstracts is 19th March 2010.