ConNext-2021

24 Leaching Objects in the Dutch National Maritime Collection An investigation into long ‐ term conservation of smaller waterlogged wooden objects treated with polyethylene glycol. KEYWORDS: Conservation, PEG, waterlogged wood, leaching, UV, colour Contrary to the conservation of large shipwreck timbers, preservation of smaller waterlogged wooden objects (SWWOs) is considered less problematic. However, this does not mean that the long-term conservation of SWWOs is problem-free. This became apparent when two consolidated wooden skimmers objects belonging to the Dutch National Maritime Collection, stored at and overseen by Stichting Erfgoedpark Batavialand, displayed conservation problems. The objects felt sticky, drops of an unknown fluid were leaching out, and the objects had a distinctively dark exterior compared to other objects found within the collection (figure 1,2). Conservation reports revealed that the objects had been treated by immersion in consecutive baths of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 600 and 1500/4000. This led to multiple questions: what is causing these phenomena? Were other objects in the collection similarly treated, and if so, do they present similar problems? This research will illustrate that the conservation of SWWOs should be further investigated, mainly in instances when PEG 600 was used. It will share distinct visual characteristics observed on all affected objects and how these can be identified using simple tools, including a RAL colour chart and a UV-flashlight. In doing so, this research aims to promote expanding the knowledge of SWWO-conservation. maxxfolmer[at] hotmail.com