Wet charred wood: a preliminary study of the material and its conservation treatments

This study investigated wet charred wood excavated at an archaic cemetery in Corfu, Greece, dating from 6th century B.C. The preservation condition of the material was evaluated based on its physicochemical properties and micromorphology in comparison to modern combusted wood. Charring temperature of the material was estimated by Electron Spin Resonance (ESR). Results indicated a severe degree of decay, resulting not only from charring. Conservation treatments involved spraying, as the material readily collapsed during immersion. Aqueous solutions of polyethylene glycol (PEG) were applied, as solvent soluble materials were found to be unsuitable due to the solvent’s volatility. Results showed that treatment efficacy was dependant on the moisture content of the material. Wet charred wood cannot be handled or treated like other wet or waterlogged organic materials. Further investigation is required to identify those properties which best characterize its preservation state and to assess the effectiveness of a wider range of conservation treatments.