Of the famous shipwrecks in the world, not many have been able to be recovered from their watery graveyards. The RMS Titanic still rests 12,000 feet below the surface where she fell. The RMS Republic, sunk in 1909 with millions of dollars worth of treasure in its vaults after colliding with the SS Florida off the coast of Nantucket, still rests 250 feet under water. One famous wreck, however, has been raised from her resting place just north of the Isle of Wight: The Mary Rose. Her rise to the surface might just be her demise, though. History of the Mary Rose Henry VIII commissioned the building of two vessels to begin his “Army of the Sea” in 1510 one of which being the Mary Rose. While it’s commonly believed that the Mary Rose was sunk on her maiden voyage, she actually served 34 years as a successful warship for Henry VIII before being sunk. After participating in two French wars, the Mary Rose was put into reserve from 1522 to 1535 as she wasn’t particularly economical to operate especially in battle. In 1543, the Mary Rose set off into the third French war and what would be her final voyage. In May of 1945, the English fleet gathered at Portsmouth and prepared to oppose the French as they entered the Solent. The English only had 80 ships to place opposite the French’s 225 ships and retreated into the Portsmouth Harbor to keep them in sheltered waters. However on the morning of July 19th, according to the French, the French galleys began an assault in an attempt to lure the English into range of their main fleet. The onslaught and Mary Rose’s recently refitted heavy cannons, unfortunately, caused the Mary Rose to heel over and sink. Recovery While many attempts were made to raise the ship, none were successful until 1982. After resting for 437 years under several meters worth of silt at the bottom of an ocean, around 40% of the hull, 19,000 artifacts, and pieces of timber were able to be preserved. She now rests at the museum in Portsmouth where she and her many artifacts can be viewed. Since the Mary Rose rested for so long under a deep layer of silt, much of her remains intact. However, when marine bacteria feasts on wood, and iron (fittings, cannons, various artifacts) begins to corrode, ions are released that react with one another. While this isn’t a problem under meters of silt, once brought to the surface, the reaction to oxygen can trigger the production of sulfate salts and sulfuric acid which eats away at the wood and any artifacts that are in contact with iron. Preserving for the Future To preserve the previously submerged wood, researchers will use polyethylene glycol to fill and strengthen the cells of the wood to prevent shrinking, warping, and cracking as it starts to dry. Once the wood began to dry, oxidized sulfur becomes the real problem. Researchers finally found a solution in custom made nanoparticles. While many magnetic materials have their own magnetic field and in turn, their own polarity, these particles are so small (10nm across) that their magnetic fields are easily influenced by an outside magnetic field. This allows the particles to be directed and controlled. Each particle is bound to molecules of porphyrin which will be bound to free ions in the wood. This prevents them from reacting and forming damaging acids. The entire composite is then liquefied, soaking into the wood and carrying the nanoparticles with it. Conservationists are then able to control the composite, capturing iron ions in the process. The whole endeavor removes iron without damaging the wood. This is a huge step forward for the preservation of priceless artifacts, and magnets are to thank! We’re pleased to see that the Mary Rose is on track to being restored entirely to her former glory. Keep your eyes on our News & How-To’s section or subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more magnet-related news and DIYs.