Calcium-Based Mineralized\nHydrogels for Temporary\nReinforcement and Conservation of Ancient Ivory Relics

Ancient ivory serves as an important witness of time\nand historical\nevents, offering highly significant insights into the fields of paleontology,\nmineralogy, materials science, and geochemistry. However, ancient\nivory has undergone groundwater corrosion and has a loose porous structure\nand reduced mechanical strength due to being buried for a long time.\nTherefore, the temporary reinforcement and preservation of ancient\nivory artifacts are a well-known challenge. A methodology was presented\nin this article for the synthesis of calcium-based mineralized hydrogels\n(Ca-gel), which possess controllable adhesive strength, beneficial\ncompatibility, environmentally friendly and noninvasive protection,\nas well as efficient and rapid adhesion for ancient ivory cultural\nrelics. By manipulating the various components of Ca-gel, it was possible\nto achieve a controllable gel time and gel state. Additionally, the\nhydrogel possessing a substantial water content has the potential\nto establish a humid environment suitable for the preservation of\nancient ivory, thereby overcoming the challenges associated with water\nloss and weathering that may arise during excavation processes. It\nis noteworthy that Ca-gel possessed universality and temporary adhesive\nproperties that could be employed in the temporary reinforcement of\ncultural relics from different materials. A method has been proposed\nin this study to facilitate the temporary reinforcement process while\nensuring the protection of authenticity, integrity, and continuity\nfor cultural relics.