What method can restorers use to decrease drying time for wet materials?

Increasing the temperature of moisture in materials is a practical method to decrease drying time for wet materials. When the temperature of moisture is increased, it enhances the evaporation rate of water. Heat causes water molecules to gain energy, which increases their movement and helps them transition from the liquid phase to vapor more quickly. This process accelerates drying because warmer air can hold more moisture than cooler air, thereby improving the efficiency of evaporation.

In contrast, lowering the ambient temperature can lead to slower evaporation rates since cooler temperatures do not facilitate the same level of energy for moisture removal. Increasing the water content of the materials would only prolong the drying process, as there would be more moisture to evaporate. Decreasing air circulation reduces the airflow necessary to transport moist air away from the drying area, hindering evaporation and ultimately slowing down the drying process. Therefore, raising the temperature of moisture in materials is the most effective choice for accelerating drying times.