Evaluation of the Efficiency of Polymethyl Methacrylate/Hydroxypropyl Methacrylate (MMA/HPMA) Copolymer for the Conservation of Mural Paintings

Authors

Keywords:

Theban Necropolis, scanning electron microscopy, tempera, microclimate, flash floods, consolidation

Abstract

This study investigates the mural paintings in tomb TT81 of the 18th Dynasty, belonging to Ineni, in the Theban Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Egypt. It examines the composition, structure, and techniques of the mural layers, as well as main deterioration patterns and contributing factors. Cross-sectional examination, stereomicroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy assessed stratigraphy, paint layer details, and microstructure. X-ray diffraction identified pigments and fillers, and ATR-FTIR determined the paint medium. The efficiency of Polymethyl Methacrylate/Hydroxypropyl Methacrylate (MMA/HPMA) copolymer in consolidating murals under sudden microclimatic changes was evaluated. Samples treated with 1%, 2%, and 3% copolymer were analysed using microscopy, colorimetry, and water contact angle measurements. Results revealed animal glue tempera with Egyptian blue, green, red and yellow ochre, and carbon black. Previous deterioration included coloration changes, cracking, flaking, vandalism, and prior resin–oil restorations. The 2%–3% copolymer effectively consolidated layers, improved water resistance, and minimized visual alterations.

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Author Biographies

Mahmoud Sayed Korany, Conservation Department, Faculty of Archaeology, Luxor University, Luxor, Egypt.

Mahmoud Sayed Korany is a member of the academic staff in the Conservation Department, Faculty of Archaeology, Luxor University. He holds an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Archaeological Conservation from Cairo University. He has supervised M.Sc. and Ph.D. theses in archaeological conservation and has published extensively in international peer-reviewed journals. He also serves as a reviewer for several international journals and as an editorial board member of a number of academic periodicals. He is the author of several books and has taught courses on the conservation and restoration of archaeological artifacts through part-time appointments at various faculties and institutes. In addition, he has participated in national and international research projects on cultural heritage preservation and management. He has also taken part in several restoration projects of historic buildings and in the conservation of museum artifacts, as well as in numerous archaeological excavation missions within and outside Egypt. Moreover, he is a member of the expert committees responsible for inspecting architecturally significant historic buildings and for developing conservation and management plans for archaeological sites in Egypt.

Wael Sabry Mohamed, Polymers and Pigments Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.

Wael Sabry Mohamed is a Professor in the Department of Polymers and Pigments at the National Research Centre. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Stuttgart, Germany, specializing in the application of nanotechnology in polymers. He has served as principal investigator for numerous internal scientific projects and participated in several external and international projects. He has supervised many M.Sc. and Ph.D. theses and has authored over 100 publications in high-impact international journals. He has also presented at numerous international conferences, both in Egypt and abroad.

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Published

2026-02-17

How to Cite

Sayed Korany, M., & Sabry Mohamed, W. (2026). Evaluation of the Efficiency of Polymethyl Methacrylate/Hydroxypropyl Methacrylate (MMA/HPMA) Copolymer for the Conservation of Mural Paintings. Ge-conservacion, 29(1), 51–63. Retrieved from https://revista.ge-iic.com/index.php/revista/article/view/1454

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Vol. 29 No. 1 (2026): Ge-conservación Nº29

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