Characterization of Green Paints in Ming and Qianlong Dynasties’ Lin’xi Pavilion by Complimentary Techniques

During conservation of the painted ceiling decoration of Lin’xi Pavilion in the Forbidden City, two distinct paint campaigns were isolated as a unique case study into architectural paint materials during both the Ming and Qing dynasties. Paint samples and cross sections from both paint generations were analyzed with SEM-EDX, time of flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), XRD, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopies. Similar organic and inorganic materials characteristic of these time periods were identified. The pigments of interest found in both paint generations were botallackite and atacamite polymorphs. This suggests a shift from natural mineral sources to synthetic copper-based pigments for these larger architectural projects.

Preparation of Hexamethyldisilazanomethacryloxyphenyl ketone (HDMK) and its copolymerization in the presence of acrylates

Purpose This paper aims to improve some properties of poly (methyl methacrylate) by copolymerization with butyl acrylate (BA) monomer along with the incorporation of the stable and economical synthesized silicone-containing monomer hexamethyldisilazanomethacryloxyphenyl ketone (HDMK) into the copolymer matrix. Design/methodology/approach For this target solution copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA), BA and HDMK were carried out using a 250 mL four-necked round-bottom flask. Before solution polymerization start-up, the reaction vessel was first charged with 34.8 mL toluene and heated to 170 °C with stirring and reflux cooling. A monomer mixture of 25.86 g (260 mmol) MMA, 26.40 g (200 mmol) BA, 3.00 g (8.60 mmol) HDMK and 0.45 g (2.00 mmol) dibenzoyl peroxide was added continuously from the dropping funnel over a period of 4 h. Findings The HDMK was successfully synthesized and the water resistance of acrylic resins was improved because of the existence of HDMK. Research limitations/implications The materials that were used in this research paper had a reasonably low cost. Also, the procedures for synthesis of monomers and polymers were extremely easy because there was no need for high pressure or temperature and no dangerous solvents were used. Practical implications The acrylic resin that contained HDMK was used to synthesis a white architectural paint for exterior coating. Examining the paint characteristics has shown acceptable washing and abrasion resistance, good brushing, excellent storage stability and great surface coating. Originality/value HDMK was synthesized for the first time.