Abstract: Moisture adsorption-desorption tests (MATs) were conducted on simulated mural plaster specimens under different air temperatures (ATs) and relative humidity (RH) to investigate the possible effect of seasonal alteration and visitors’ breath on the deterioration of Mogao Grottoes, Dunhuang, China. Saturated salt solutions were used to maintain a constant RH, and plant growth cabinets were used to maintain a constant or varying temperature in the simulation test. The weight of specimen was periodically measured to determine the adsorbed or desorbed moisture. Test data illustrate that the desorption process is far quicker than the adsorption one, indicating that it is possible to inhibit the disadvantage effect from visitors, such as shortening the staying time in caves. In case of high humidity, an accumulated moisture adsorption was found to correspond to the varying temperature. On the other hand, in case of low humidity, accumulated moisture desorption corresponded. Test data imply that opening caves more often to visitors in humid seasons should be avoided so as to prevent continuous wetting of wall paintings.

Key words: Mogao Grottoes, Wall paintings, Plaster, Moisture adsorption-desorption, Unsaturated soil

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