A reminder to register for the upcoming virtual presentation on a new technology for the cleaning of delicate surfaces. Hope to see you next week!
Link to register: https://learning.culturalheritage.org/p/moxy
Registration is free for AIC members and students (you still need to register and go through the "purchase" at $0); $20 for non-AIC members.
The speakers are generously volunteering their time and the funds raised will be used to support programs at the annual conference.
Recordings will be available for registered participants.
MOXY: Plasma-generated Atomic Oxygen for the Cleaning of Sensitive Cultural Heritage Surfaces
Tuesday, August 26, 10-11:30 AM ET
In 1997 two NASA scientists pioneered the application of atomic oxygen in the removal of lipstick from Andy Warhol, Bathtub (1961).
MOXY picked up the baton in 2022 (and the two NASA scientists serve on the Scientific Advisory Committee).
MOXY has developed an entirely new technology using radio frequency pulsed cold plasma to generate the AO at low temperatures and at atmospheric pressure, which is quite different from the 1990s NASA instrumentation.
Participants will hear from the MOXY team about the research conducted since 2022 and the results achieved, such as removal of soot from a pastel. Questions from the audience are encouraged.
Nina Olsson, Senior Researcher, ICOMOS-Lietuva
Tomas Markevicius, Senior Researcher, University of Gent and University of Amsterdam
Catarina Rochas Pires, PhD student, University of Amsterdam
Kirill Shumikhin and Cecilia Campi, PhD students, University of Pisa
For additional information: www.moxyproject.eu
Now in its third year, the Horizon Europe MOXY Research Project (2022-2026) has developed a novel, environmentally friendly technology for generating atomic oxygen (AO) under atmospheric pressure conditions, enabling the non-contact cleaning of soot and other carbon-based soiling from sensitive cultural heritage surfaces. The experimental results are currently being analyzed and assessed to gain a deeper understanding of the AO cleaning and tailor AO for the cleaning of painted surfaces and other porous and sensitive materials.
The MOXY project is part of the EU Green Cluster for Conservation Research and Science, a group of cultural heritage conservation research initiatives that investigate innovative approaches, methods and technologies that can transform conservation into a greener practice, achieving improved and safer results for the artwork, while lowering the impact on the environment and providing safer working conditions for operators.
MOXY Senior researchers and PhD students will present talks on the AO plasma generation technology, the AO cleaning process, the practical operation of the instrument in the laboratory, the experimental application of atomic oxygen for cultural heritage materials, the analytical investigation of the interactions between atomic oxygen and cultural heritage materials, and finally some undesirable results, and unexpected new applications. A collegial open discussion and question-and-answer period will conclude the event.