2 - Deterioration of organic materials other than wood

Abstract

This chapter discusses the deterioration of organic materials other than wood. It describes the aspects of organic materials that are relevant to marine burial, and presents potential changes that the material may undergo and the conservation implications of these changes. Knowledge of the chemistry of polymers, their structure, solubility, reactivity, etc., is essential in understanding changes because of marine burial. The common cellulosic textile fibers can be grouped according to cell origin and texture. The chapter also describes the physical characteristics of common fibers. The textile fibers vary from individual cells to large groups of cells. Some common plant parts that are used in the fabrication of artifacts are stems, roots, and branches and leaves of herbaceous and woody plants. Herbaceous plant parts are composed of a variety of tissues, each tissue with its specific structural and chemical characteristics.