Cangjie Temple was built to commemorate Cangjie, the legendary inventor of Chinese characters. It stands as one of the few remaining temples in China dedicated to the invention and creation of writing. In this study, the material properties of wooden paintings from the Cangjie temple were characterized using Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM), Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Micro-confocal Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). It was confirmed that the pigments of the paintings included cinnabar, lapis lazuli, lead white, Paris green, and carbon black. The proteinaceous glue was used as an adhesive in the pigment samples, with tung oil likely being utilized as a primer for the wooden structures before painting. This study not only provides valuable data support for the conservation and restoration of the architectural features of Cangjie Temple but also provides useful reference for the maintenance and inheritance of similar ancient buildings.

This study analyzes the pigments and binders used in the painted wooden structure of DaZhong Gate in the Confucius Temple in Qufu, Shandong Province, China. Five samples were collected from the building and analyzed using techniques such as polarized light microscopy (PLM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), micro-Raman spectroscopy (m-RS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The findings reveal that the red, yellow, green, and blue pigments are identified as lead red, lead chromate yellow, emerald green, and ultramarine, respectively. The white pigment is determined to be a combination of chalk and lead white or anglesite. Considering the production period of the yellow and green pigments, it is inferred that architectural paintings underwent restoration or repainting during the late Qing Dynasty. The analysis of the binder in the pigment using pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) reveals that the binder employed is a protein-based glue. Additionally, the detected presence of Heat-bodied tung oil suggests a potential connection to traditional Chinese painting techniques on wooden surfaces. This discovery not only contributes to the historical research of the Confucius Temple but also provides crucial data for the conservation and restoration efforts of this culturally significant heritage site.

Black & white (B&W) photographic negative films hold valuable historical and cultural information, making them an integral part of our cultural heritage and a significant focus for preservation institutions. However, the organic components of these films are susceptible to contamination by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, which pose serious threats to the safety of the negatives and the integrity of their recorded images. This study reveals that microbial growth on the surface of B&W photographic negative films results in increased surface roughness, leading to the appearance of white patches on developed images and causing decreased image quality. To assess the effects of microbial contamination, the surface roughness and morphology of the contaminated negative films were observed using the laser microscopy system. Additionally, changes in light reflectance and transmittance were evaluated for model high-density and low-density samples of contaminated B&W photographic negative films using the UV-VIS spectrometer. The findings show that microbial contamination significantly increases the surface roughness and visible light reflectance of the negative films. The transmittance of low-density samples was markedly reduced, whereas high-density samples exhibited minimal changes. Our results indicate that reduced visible light transmission affects the grey level of developed B&W photos. Insufficient exposure of the silver halide in the emulsion layer of the photographic paper reduces silver particle formation, contributing to lower image quality. Based on these findings, we propose that microbial contamination causes surface roughness in negative films and adversely impacts the quality of developed images. This research provides a foundation for improved strategies to mitigate microbial damage and restore contaminated photographic materials in the future.

Paper-based materials are essential for documenting human civilization; however, they are fragile and vulnerable to mold and decay. This study examined mold-contaminated paper. A functional Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan-borax (PVA/HACC-B) hydrogel was developed, which integrates antifungal and cleaning properties. When applied to paper, the hydrogel significantly inhibited mold growth and also functioned as a protective coating. Evaluation was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Compared to untreated samples, the treated paper exhibited enhanced acid resistance, antibacterial properties, and overall performance. This research presents a novel integrated strategy for the conservation of paper-based cultural heritage, establishing a foundation for future advancements.