DETERIORATION AND CONSOLIDATION OF SOME POTTERY VESSELS IN TEL AJRUD, SUEZ, EGYPT

Pottery samples were diagnosed using Polarized Microscope, Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy Dispersive of X-Ray and X-Ray Diffraction Analysis. [...]the research recommends using one of two consolidants for strengthening archaeological pottery excavated from Tel Ajrud in Suez. Samples were also examined and analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy dispersive X-ray unit SEM-EDX. Tests and examinations of consolidated pottery samples: a. Determination of physical and mechanical properties [26]; b. Examination of consolidated samples by Scanning Electron Microscope; c. Accelerated artificial ageing (thermal - light by U.V- salt weathering) [27]; d. Examination of consolidated pottery samples by Scanning Electron Microscope after artificial ageing processes Results Methods of Examinations and Analysis Visual examination showed that pottery specimens of Tel Agrud in Suez suffered from different deterioration phenomena such as breaking, gaps, crystallization of salts, peeling of slip layer and poor physical structure.