THE EFFECT OF SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE EXTRACTION ON COLOR RETENTION AND PESTICIDE REDUCTION OF WOODEN ARTIFACTS

AbstractThe effects of supercritical fluid carbon dioxide extraction on the luminosity of various pigments used to decorate wooden artifacts was assessed as a prelude to using this treatment technology for removing pesticides—specifically DDT—from wooden artifacts. The extraction darkened 6 of the 31 coatings evaluated and lightened 9 others. The color changes were slight and often difficult to detect visually. The remainder of coatings experienced no significant changes. DDT was extracted from all blocks regardless of coating combinations. DDT reductions of 50% or more were observed with 26 of 31 coating combinations, suggesting that this treatment may be used for pesticide extraction without adversely affecting wooden artifacts.