Mineralogical and chemical analysis of the historic objects found in the Katyn graves and development of technology preventing their future destruction

Abstract

Mineralogical and chemical analyses of the historic objects found in the Katyn graves have been done. The analyses were aimed at identifying processes leading to destruction of the historic objects and at development of technology preventing their further destruction. Analyses with the use of digital and scanning (electron) microscopes as well as chemical EDS analyses were carried out. Observations showed that the examined objects undergo several processes of different degree of intensity. The main process observed in the examined objects (their plastic parts) is a kind of recrystallization, that is polymer’s structure ordering. Fragments of the polymer shrink, which results in formation of systems of fractures leading to the destruction of the material. Besides, the examined materials undergo condensation of polymers (ageing of polymer oxidation and migration of foreign substances into the structure of the examined objects. Research results and information about celluloid, ebonite and resin (toothbrush) show that the best way to protect the relics is vacuum packaging in transparent plastic bags.