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NM tech to protect terracotta warriors
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CHINESE scientists will coat the faces of the world-famous terracotta warriors with a microscopic-thin layer of chemical gel to prevent the 2,000-year-old relics from mildew.
The nanometre technology, which can create new materials with special functions on a scope of one-billionth of a metre, will be used to protect the terracotta warriors unearthed a quarter of a century ago from the tomb of Emperor Qin Shihuang, said Zu Yong, director of the Nanometre Institute of the Northwest University.
Zu and his team of researchers have developed a transparent material that can absorb ultraviolet radiation, and thus preserve the original colours of the figures. It also can keep away bugs and bacteria, he noted.
Wu Yongqi, director of the Shaanxi Provincial Museum of the Qin Shihuang Terracotta Warriors, said that finding effective means of preservation for the terracotta warriors has long been a key issue for Chinese archeologists. Little progress has been made in mildew prevention over the past two decades, though China has made a breakthrough in the continuing excavation at the Qin Shihuang Tomb.
"China expects to fulfill the dream of maintaining the colours of the terracotta warriors forever with use of the nanometre technology," Wu said.
Nearly 8,000 life-sized terracotta warriors and horses along with tens of thousands of pieces of weaponry have been uncovered. The purpose of the warriors and horses, located less than a mile from the emperor's tomb, was to maintain and protect the spirit of their ruler throughout eternity.
Nevertheless, most of the 1,000 unearthed warriors and horses from the tomb of the first man to unify China have lost their vivid colours. Researchers have learned that the lacquer on the terracotta warriors is highly sensitive to temperature changes, and the warriors suffered further from mildew and drying out when they were excavated from the damp earth, causing the coating to shrink.
More than 40 kinds of mildew have been found on the figures. Consequently, China has slowed down the rate of excavation.
The nanometre technology will become one of the most important scientific fields in the 21st century, along with information and biology technology.(Xinhua)
The nanometre technology will become one of the most important scientific fields in the 21st century, along with information and biology technology.(Xinhua)
The nanometre technology will become one of the most important scientific fields in the 21st century, along with information and biology technology.(Xinhua)
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