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The Use of Solvent-Gel Systems for the Cleaning of PMMA

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 March 2017

Stefani Kavda ,
Emma Richardson  and
Stavroula Golfomitsou
Stefani Kavda*
Affiliation:
UCL Qatar, University College London, Doha, Qatar
Emma Richardson
Affiliation:
Department of History of Art, University College London, London, UK
Stavroula Golfomitsou
Affiliation:
UCL Qatar, University College London, Doha, Qatar
*
*(Email: [email protected])
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Abstract

This paper discusses the use of solvent-gel systems for the cleaning of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) surfaces. Aqueous polymer gel systems have been introduced to the conservation field with a particular focus on paintings, painted surfaces of wooden artefacts and stone. However, their application on plastics is very recent. Statistically designed experiments aimed to assess the efficiency and damage potential of materials constituting selected solvent-gel cleaning systems. The effect of the free solvents (deionized water, ethanol, isopropanol and petroleum ether), the hydrogel carriers (Agar, Pemulen™ TR-2, Carbopol® EZ 2-Ethomeen® C-25 and 80% hydrolysed PVAc-borax) and their combinations after 5 and 60 minutes of application time on PMMA surfaces, were evaluated through qualitative visual microscopic observation and SEM imaging, and quantitative weight change measurements. Visual observations revealed that the action of solvents (i.e. ethanol and isopropanol) was moderated by gellation (i.e. Agar), while other gel systems (i.e. Pemulen) were unsatisfactory. Results of gravimetric studies showed that most solvent-gels resulted in inconsistencies and large weight changes.

Keywords

polymeramorphousart
Type
Articles
Information
MRS Advances , Volume 2 , Issue 39-40: Materials Issues in Art and Archaeology XI , 2017 , pp. 2179 - 2187
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2017 

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