Microscale Physical and Mechanical Analyses of Distemper Paint: A Case Study of Eidsborg Stave Church, Norway

Abstract

This study focuses on the use of micro-sensitive methodsnanoindentation, dynamic water vapour sorption, and X-ray microtomographyto examine the physical properties of small volumes of artists' materials. The novel methodology proposed in this paper was tested on laboratory-prepared chalk-based ground samples and subsequently applied to distemper paint samples taken from the polychrome walls of Eidsborg stave church. This article discusses key parameters that can be used to inform macro-sized mock-ups mimicking physical and mechanical behaviour of artistic materials, and highlights limitations of such an approach for highly heterogeneous paint systems. Dynamic water vapour sorption measurements allowed determination of the pigment volume concentration (PVC) of distemper paint from Eidsborg stave church as 95%. To the authors' knowledge, this represents the first assessment of PVC for historic distemper paint using a non-destructive experimental technique, which can be extended to other hygroscopic samples of known composition.

Sustainable management of heritage buildings in long-term perspective (SyMBoL): current knowledge and further research needs

“…The micro-indentation technique, a micro-sensitive technique still not commonly used in heritage science (Lukomski et al. , 2020) was adopted in SyMBoL (coupled with dynamic water vapour sorption and X-ray microtomography too) to examine the physical properties of small volumes of distemper paint samples (DPS) for trying to scale-up such information at macro scale (Freeman et al. , 2021a).…”

Natural hazards affecting cultural heritage: assessment of flood and landslide risk for the 28 existing Norwegian stave churches

“…In fact, beside the book by Bakken et al . (2016) written upon completion of the SCPP, few peer reviewed international works generally exist on SCs (Freeman et al ., 2021, 2023, Olstad et al ., 2020, Berg, 2018, Espedal, 2017, Hamre et al ., 2007, Egenberg et al ., 2003, Olstad, 1994; Christie, 1978) and none of them is focused on the whole group of still existing 28 SCs. This is the reason why the first part of the results section aims to homogeneously collect and report all together existing information on architectural features, conservation status and geographical attributes for the whole group of SCs.…”

Experimental and Numerical Modal Analysis of a Composite Rocket Structure

“…In addition, to account for the mass distribution, a layer of paint with a thickness of 1.875 mm was added as part of the composite layup. The only material properties specified for the paint were density, modulus of elasticity, and Poisson's ratio [16]. Given that the stiffness of paint is negligible, most estimates put the young's modulus at 1 GPa with a Poisson ratio of 0.2 (Mass Model #3).…”