The effect of the drying method on the cell wall structure and sorption properties of waterlogged archaeological wood

Abstract Drying is a process affecting various wood properties, including its structure, moisture behaviour and mechanical properties. Since waterlogged wooden artefacts usually constitute priceless objects of cultural heritage, understanding the effect drying on complex interactions between ultrastructure resulting properties necessary to ensure their proper conservation. Hence, this was aim present study, with particular emphasis influence conditions relations cell wall dimensional stability hygroscopicity degraded archaeological wood. The choice methods dictated by final appearance (dimensions). results obtained clearly show that depending method applied, material differs significantly in dimensions sorption despite same degree degradation. Air- oven-drying resulted highest shrinkage, lower porosity, decreased number free hydroxyls wall. best stabilisation porosity were ensured freeze- supercritical drying. No correlations found structure behaviour. outcome research may be useful for conservators who plan provide storage effective conservation/reconservation.