Analytical and Conservation Techniques for General Arrangement Plan - Screw Yacht “Safa-El-Bahre” on Tracing Paper

Abstract

This study aims to investigate, analyze and conserve the general arrangement plan of the Egyptian royal yacht "Safra El-Bahr" from the National Archives of Egypt's tracing paper collection. The yacht was specifically designed for Abbas II, the khedive of Egypt in 1894 A.D. The following analytical techniques were used for this study: pH value measurement, fungal testing, XRD, ATR-FTIR and SEM-EDX. Results revealed that the pH value of the plan paper is 6.5. Fungal testing proved the presence of Aspergillus Niger and Penicillium sp. The crystallinity index of cellulose in the historical paper increased compared to modern tracing paper indicating the occurrence of deterioration. The ATR-FTIR spectrum of the studied tracing paper revealed the presence of gelatin as a sizing material. The SEM investigation showed the effect of the natural ageing and surrounding environmental conditions on the surface morphology of the fibers. The EDX analysis revealed the use of kaolinite Al2Si2O3(OH)4, Cl, NaOH and CaCo3 in paper manufacture. Copper carbonate (CuCO3) was used for the blue color. Conservation treatments conducted on the object included cleaning, removal of pressure sensitive tape, removal of adhesive residues, tear mending and lining. These processes revealed the aesthetic value of the general arrangement plan -screw yacht "SAFA-EL-BAHRE.