pH-dependent warping behaviors of ancient lacquer films excavated in Shanxi, China

Abstract The ancient lacquer films excavated from Dongshan Han tomb M6 of the Western Han Dynasty in Taiyuan City, Shanxi, China, were found sensitive to pH variation. This paper aims to demonstrate the pH-dependent warping behaviors of the ancient lacquer film and discuss their mechanism. The samples were analyzed by surface analytical techniques including attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry. The results suggest that the outer layer of the lacquer film is more oxidized than the inner layer and contains more carboxylates, with calcium ions and possibly ammonium cations as counter ions. The carboxylates are speculated to be formed by oxidative cleavages in the urushiol side chains and hydrolysis of glycerides of drying oils. The shrinkage and swelling of the lacquer film can be regulated by the type of cations (H+, Ca2+, Na+) of carboxylates through hydrogen bonds, coordination bonds and static forces. Due to the higher content of carboxylates in the outer part, it shrinks more at low pH causing warping outward and swells more at high pH causing warping inward. This paper may provide an important reference for pH control and help resolve the warping problem during conservation or restoration of ancient lacquerware.