Real-time detection of salts content in waterlogged archaeological wood by evanescent field dielectrometry (EFD): Preliminary results

Monitoring moisture content and detecting the presence of soluble salts in archaeological waterlogged wood remains is a key issue for their conservation. Evanescent field dielectrometry (EFD), originally applied to frescoes and mural painting investigation is proposed as a novel tool for the real-time detection of soluble salts inside waterlogged wood samples. Preliminary measurements on archaeological samples from Denmark were performed to provide the basis for on-site monitoring of the rinse process required before consolidation treatment.