The investigation of degradation degree of Yenikapı 29 shipwreck and conservation proposal

The subject of this thesis is investigation of degradation degree of Yenikapı (YK) 29 shipwreck and determination of conservation method. In order to specify the impregnation chemical which is used in conservation studies, the degradation degree of the YK29 shipwreck was examined physically and chemically. In order to carry out these investigations, MWC (%), density (g/cm3), loss of wood substance (%), FTIR, SEM and XRF analyses were performed on the YK29 samples. MWC values were found between 164-1275% while specifying the degradation degree of YK29. MWC values show that YK29 timbers are in Class 1, 2 and 3 as degradation degree. SEM examinations demonstrated the physical degradation of samples at the cellular level. The elemental structure of the samples taken from YK29 shipwreck was shown by XRF analysis. Furthermore, the amount of iron and sulfur damaging the timbers has been revealed semi-quantitatively in this structure. FTIR analysis showed changes in the polymers that forming the wooden structure as spectra. The obtained spectra compared with the spectra of the fresh wood of YK29 specimens and chemical deterioration has been detected. Analysis results are compared with the data obtained as a finding of the literature review related to waterlogged wood conservation. Consequently, a suitable conservation proposal has been presented. In this proposal, the necessity and reasons for the impregnation of 35-45% PEG 2000 and 3350 in order for conservation of YK29 wood are explained. It is recommended to freeze drying after impregnation process.