Physical characterization of super-fragile materials in underwater archaeological sites.

Abstract

The super-fragile materials existing in underwater archaeological sites are an invaluable source of historical information that can rarely be documented because of their poor condition. The natural fiber ropes used in rigging historic vessels are a key to understanding the evolution of nautical architecture in antiquity. A new method of molding adapted to superfragile materials is being developed with trials on hemp ropes artificially aged with sulfuric acid 0.5 M. Aging provides similar consistency of the original materials as under archaeological conditions. For the physical characterization of the objects, experimental equipment has been developed which is based on pressure resistance and maximum moisture content. The characterization model allows classification of organic remains found in underwater sites in three degrees of consistency by simple instrumentation.