Using Archival Japanese Paper and Thermoplastic Resins to Prepare Fossils for Storage, Display, Transport, and Radiography

My research investigates paleo pathologies in fossil mammals and uses patterns of population health to infer past environmental conditions. In paleontology, we use many of the same tools you would in veterinarian medicine. For my research, I review x-rays or CT scans of bones to assess the health condition of a fossil animal.

The Mayborn method is an easy to learn archival method that's completely reversible. The protocols can be used from discovery to curation on a wide variety of cultural and natural resources. Even the most delicate or fragmented materials can be preserved for future generations.

Thanks to the added stability, researchers can ask new and exciting questions about specimens that were previously unavailable for research. Thanks to these methods, the Waco Mammoth National Monument fossils are telling unique stories of life and death 65, 000 years ago. We're investigating multiple deposits, how they were preserved, and the paleo environment of central Texas.

To begin, select the most suitable kozo paper. Arrange all required tools on the workspace, including kozo paper, tweezers, adhesive, consolidant, acetone, and preferred application tools. Lay out more swabs and toothpicks than are likely to be needed.

Then measure the length of the seam between two fossil fragments to determine the size of the bandage needed. Tear the selected kozo paper to the desired dimensions instead of cutting it, then fray the edges by gently pulling the fibers to create a soft boundary. Align the paper over the target seam before moving forward to check the fit of the paper.

Using a brush or appropriate tool, apply a broad and thin layer of adhesive to the target area on the fossil. Use tweezers to place the prepared kozo paper bandage over the adhesive coated area. Using the chosen tool, gently press the paper into the contours of the specimen.

Smooth down the fibers at the edges of the paper to ensure they adhere to the surface. Once the paper is fully positioned, use a dropper to saturate it with consolidant, applying approximately one to two drops per square centimeter. Allow the bandage to dry completely before moving the specimen.

To begin creating acrylic struts, measure the height of the space where they will be placed. Subtract 0.5 centimeters from this measurement to calculate the final length. Lay out the required tools, including personal protection equipment.

Cut the acrylic to the desired dimensions. If using sheet acrylic, cut it with a saw. Then tear a piece of thick kozo paper into a rectangle large enough to wrap around the acrylic strut, leaving a one to two centimeter overhang at each end.

Apply a broad, thin layer of adhesive to one side of the paper. Wrap the adhesive coated paper around the acrylic strut and press it tightly in place so that the paper adheres to itself. Place the strut on the workstation with the seam side facing downward.

Saturate the paper wrapping with three to four drops of consolidant per linear centimeter and allow it to dry completely. Using scissors, cut the excess paper at both ends into box-shaped flaps. Flare out the paper flaps.

Apply adhesive to both the visible end of the acrylic strut and to the flared flaps. Cover the exposed end with a small piece of thin kozo paper, making sure it conforms to the flared shape and fully encases the acrylic in composite material. To identify the ideal location for placing the strut, select a weight-bearing area where both ends can make direct contact with the fossil specimen.

Arrange all necessary tools, including paper, prepared struts, tweezers, adhesive, consolidant, acetone and preferred implements. Lay out more swabs and toothpicks than are likely needed. Apply adhesive to the selected location on the fossil.

Place the prepared strut onto the adhesive spot. Use a toothpick or a paintbrush soaked an acetone to gently press the flared edges of the strut into the surface of the fossil. Apply an additional layer of adhesive to the base of the strut and let it dry for several hours before moving forward.

To test the firm placement of the strut, apply gentle pressure with fingers or tweezers. Once confirmed, apply adhesive to the free end of the strut and points of contact on the specimen in preparation for securing the next fossil fragment. Place the next fossil fragment onto the prepared adhesive using assistance if needed.

Once the strut and attached fossil fragments are stable, use a toothpick or a paintbrush soaked in acetone to press the flared end of the strut firmly into the surface of the fossil. Use sandbags or foam blocks to support and stabilize the fossil fragment in position while the adhesive cures. Apply additional internal or external bandages to stabilize the newly positioned fragment or strut.

The specimen remains structurally intact and could withstand vertical positioning without damage after reconstruction. During imaging, x-rays showed limited visibility of composite repairs, while the acrylic struts appeared translucent and produced no imaging artifacts. Computed tomography scans from the University of Texas CT Lab revealed faint shadows for the composite material and uniform gray for the acrylic struts, both free of imaging artifacts.

No beam hardening artifacts were observed in the acrylic or composite materials during computed tomography scanning.