Study on the Wood Characteristics of the Chinese Ancient Ship Luoyang I

Abstract

Luoyang No.1 is a Qing Dynasty (1644–1902) inland river ancient wooden shipwreck discovered in September 2013. It adds significantly to the study of Grand Canal transport history and Luoyang’s economic history. The wood characteristics of Luoyang No.1 were investigated in this study using chemical compositions, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nano-indentation (NI), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the holocellulose content was only 32.84–37.69%, indicating that the cellulose and hemicellulose had been seriously degraded. Based on the XRD pattern, the degree of crystallinity of cellulose in wood ranged from 19.82 to 22.83%. The nano-indentation demonstrated that compared with the undegraded contemporary wood, the elastic modulus and hardness of the ancient ship wood decreased by 45.5% and 32.1%, respectively. Furthermore, the FTIR spectra revealed that the biological deterioration of ancient wood was indicated by a decrease in the peaks related to cellulose and hemicellulose, but the change in lignin was insignificant. The results could provide knowledge for appropriate dewatering, strengthening, restoration strategies and regulation of the museum environment.

Evaluation of Deterioration Degree of Archaeological Wood from Luoyang Canal No. 1 Ancient Ship

“…According to the excavation staff, the wooden specimens were probably part of the keel of the ancient ship discovered at the Luoyang Canal site. The wood underwent a preservation procedure at the excavation location, which included treatment with a 4% boron-based WP-1 water solution and a PEG composite solution consisting of 7% urea, 21% dimethyl urea, and 10% PEG 4000 [17]. The concentration of the PEG composite solution was incrementally raised until the saturation point of the woods was achieved, with a peak concentration of 40%.…”

“…The concentration of the PEG composite solution was incrementally raised until the saturation point of the woods was achieved, with a peak concentration of 40%. Further information on the ancient ship can be found in a prior study [17]. To assess the extent of deterioration in archaeological wood, recent healthy wood from the same species was selected for comparative analysis.…”

“…Carbon-14 analyses of excavated porcelain, iron products, wooden artefacts, and soil confirmed that the shipwreck occurred during the early Qing Dynasty . The ship was uncovered after seven months of excavation and was transferred to the Luoyang Museum for further conservation [17].…”