• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.4-21
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• 2019

In this paper, 23 Silla gold earrings from the sixth and seventhand centuries, excavated from the Yeongnam region, were analyzed. Based on the silver content of the gold plate, they were classified into three types. The classifications included type I(20-50wt%), type II(10-20wt%) and type III (less than 10wt%). In the analysis process, the composition and morphological differences were identified on the surface of the gold plate. In the case of type I and II earrings, it was observed that the fine holes were concentrated in a relatively higher part of the gold content. The causes of the difference in the surface composition of the gold plate were divided into four categories: 1) surface treatment, 2) thermal diffusivity in the manufacturing process, 3) differences in composition of alluvial gold, and 4) the refining method of gold. It is possible that depletion gilding was attempted to increase the gold content while intentionally removing the other metals from the surface of the gold alloy in the portion where the gold deposit is relatively concentrated on the surface of the gold plating. The highest copper content was detected in the earring with the highest gold content of the analyzed earrings, and it was assumed that thermal diffusion had occurred between the gold plate and the metal rod during the manufacturing process rather than intentional addition. Copper was detected only in the thin ring earring type, and copper was not detected in the thick ring earring type or pendant type. It also proves that this earring has a high degree of tightness at higher temperatures, as there was an invisible edge finish on other earrings and horizontal wrinkles on the gold plate surface. In terms of the material of the gold plate, we examined whether the silver content of the gold plate was natural gold or added by alloy through analyzing the alluvial gold collected in the region. As a result of the analysis, it was found that on average about 13wt% of silver is included. This suggests that type II is natural gold, type III is refined gold, and type I seems to have been alloyed with natural gold. Here, we investigated the refining method introduced in the ancient literature, both at home and abroad, about the possibility of alloying silver after the refining process of type III earrings and then making pure gold. It was found that from ancient refining methods, silver which had been present in the natural gold was removed by reacting and combining with silver chloride or silver sulfide, and long-term efforts and techniques were required to obtain pure gold through this method. Therefore, it was concluded that the possibility of adding a small amount of silver in order to increase strength after making pure gold through a refining process is low.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.100-117
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• 2020

National Treasure no. 101, the stupa of State Preceptor Jigwang from the Beopcheonsa Temple Site in Wonju has been transferred from place to place and reassembled several times since it was built. In particular, overall dismantling and repair was carried out in 1957 to restore parts damaged by bombing during the Korean War. Documented information on the repair process and materials used at that time does not exist. However, various types of metal materials used for this stupa have been identified during conservation work. Besides clamps anchor bolts, 9mm-thick circular rebars were mainly used for joining the parts of this stupa, while circular rebars and wires of various thicknesses were used for joining the parts with mortar restoration materials. Although deformed bars are typically used for stone pagodas classified as architectural structures, smooth circular rebars were used in this case. In terms of restoration using mortar, material shapes were transformed, bound alternately, and twisted irregularly to improve bonding strength and coherence in order to insert restoration materials and to bolster structural weaknesses. In addition, metallographic analysis showed the material to be hypo-eutectoid steel with low carbon content. Many non-metallic inclusions in the shape of drops of different sizes were included, which do not affect the whole elemental composition due to the very small quantities involved. Qualitative and EPMA analysis of Mn and S, which were not identified by SEM-EDS area analysis, established an even distribution of MnS in crystal grains of the microstructure, regardless of the shape of the samples. It is presumed that secondary homogenization and softening might have been conducted after manufacturing to facilitate the working process. Furthermore, in consideration of properties indicating that the thinner the steel is, the less carbon content contained and the greater the elasticity and elongation, it is judged that restoration work was ordered.

• Clean Technology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.10-21
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• 2023

Hydrogels that are made of natural polymer-based double networks have excellent biocompatibility, low cytotoxicity, and high water content, assuring that the material has the properties required for a variety of biomedical applications. However, hydrogels also have limitations due to their relatively weak mechanical properties. In this study, hydrogels based on an alginate di-aldehyde (ADA) and gelatin (Gel) double network that is reinforced with additional hydrogen bonds formed between the hydroxyl (-OH) groups of the hyperbranched polymer (HPG) and the functional groups present inside of the hydrogels were successfully synthesized. The enhanced mechanical properties of these synthesized hydrogels were evaluated by varying the amount of HPG added during the hydrogel synthesis from 0 to 25%. In addition, magnetite nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs) were synthesized within the hydrogels and the structures and the magnetic properties of the hydrogels were also characterized. The hydrogels that contained 15% HPG and Fe₃O₄ NPs exhibited superparamagnetic behaviors with a saturation magnetization value of 3.8 emu g^-1. These particular hydrogels also had strengthened mechanical properties with a maximum compressive stress of 1.1 MPa at a strain of 67.4%. Magnetic hydrogels made with natural polymer-based double networks provide improved mechanical properties and have a significant potential for drug delivery and biomaterial application.