Innovative Preservation of Archaeological Ceramics: Enhancing Durability Against Environmental Decay

In some compositional examinations, it was shown that post-burial conditions could change the mineralogical and elemental composition of ancient pottery. However, a lot of these studies still ignore this possibility, presuming that the composition that was measured and observed matches the composition that existed at the time of manufacture. The possibility of elemental leaching, the recrystallization of mineral phases, the effects of initial composition and firing temperature, and various burial conditions on the environmental stability of prehistoric ceramics have all been thoroughly studied over several decades.

Research on the environmental degradation of ceramics, especially those used in archaeological contexts such as Neolithic pottery, is crucial for developing novel preservation techniques. This topic will explore analytical techniques used for materials characterization, degradation analysis, origin of materials etc. In the same time, it aims to pioneer new materials or coatings that enhance the durability and resistance of ceramics against environmental stressors.

This Research Topic aims to collect the worldwide painting techniques used for decorating the ceramics starting with instruments, continuing with materials (dyes and pigments) and finishing with the application techniques. The ceramics degradation must be evaluated and the specialists must reveal both the environmental conditions that influence degradation, as well as new restoration and conservation materials and techniques that can be applied to archaeological ceramics.

By integrating advanced surface science and engineering strategies, this topic seeks to contribute to the sustainable conservation of cultural heritage and the development of ceramics with improved environmental resilience.

This Research Topic collects original papers on innovative studies concerning archaeological ceramics, comprising the following:

• Characterization techniques,
• Painting techniques (including dyes and pigments),
• Analysis of ceramics degradation,
• Impact of environmental conditions on ceramics,
• Restoration techniques,
• New compounds and materials for the conservation and preservation of archaeological ceramics etc.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Keywords: ceramics; pottery; preservation; restoration; heritage

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.