Degradation of Japanese Lacquer under Wavelength Sensitivity of Light Radiation

Degradation of Japanese lacquer caused by light irradiation was examined at various wavelengths. By exposing lacquer specimens to a narrow monochromatic light band isolated from dispersed polychromatic light emitted by a Xe lamp source, the wavelength sensitivity characteristics of lacquer degradation could be determined on the basis of radiant energy. Tame-Urushi (brown) lacquer displayed peak degradation maxima at 220 and 315 nm. A broad shoulder peak was also observed in UVA. For Shu-Urushi (cinnabar) lacquer, in addition to peaks in the UVA–UVB range, a large degree of degradation was observed following exposure to light in the visible range. Ao-Urushi (green) lacquer showed similar characteristics, although it was less prone to degradation. Similarly, Shin-Urushi (black) lacquer showed little change in response to light, although UV light caused limited degradation. These results indicate that along with the damage caused by UVA and UVB, visible light in the range 510 - 650 nm may also have a significant degradation effect. Our results provide experimental evidence that Japanese lacquer responds differently to light of various wavelengths and that specific wavelengths, including visible light, can cause significant degradation.

Photobleaching characteristics of traditional Japanese paper in a museum environment

Photobleaching of aged traditional Japanese paper that has been thermally yellowed during storage for 200 years was examined from the standpoint of accumulated light radiation dosage in a museum environment. The light intensity was evaluated using a blue wool reference of the Japan Industrial Standards (JIS) as a dosimeter. The wavelength sensitivity of the photobleaching was compiled under monochromatic light radiation. Color changes in the specimens were measured in tristimuli values in color. by using a color analyzer. The aged pieces of paper were monitored continuously as they were photobleached under three different lighting conditions in a museum environment for 8000 h. The combination of the yellowness index changes of the aged pieces of paper and the color changes of a blue wool reference was interpreted as follows. Photobleaching was governed by accumulated light intensities and was independant upon daily lighting conditions. The wavelength sensitivity of the photobleaching of aged paper showed that the maximum effect occurred at 420 nm in the visible light range. The blue wool reference was confirmed to perform well as a dosimeter.

Size Distributions of Atmospheric Aerosol Compositions in Saitama, Japan

A survey of atmospheric aerosols in a suburban area near Tokyo, Japanwas conducted using an Andersen sampler. Significant amounts of Na+and Cl- collected were considered to be derived from sea salt. The difference between the Na+/Cl-ratio in the area and that in sea salt indicated a considerable loss of Cl-. This is assumed to be caused by the formation of NaNO3, which is one of the main nitrate species present. Most of the sulfate in the sample was found to be (NH4)2SO4 in the form of fine particles, which is different from the sulfate derived from sea salt and soil. The size distributions of K and Mg are also discussed in relation to particular sources.