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Archaeological block-lifting with volatile binding media: exploring alternatives to cyclododecane


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Conference Object

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Authors

Langdon, Katherine 
Skinner, Lucy 
Shugar, Aaron 

Abstract

Cyclododecane (CDD) is the only volatile solid currently in common use in archaeology, usually as a consolidant in the practice of block-lifting. CDD is considered by many to be an advantageous consolidant in block-lifting due to the fact that it can be removed from the block through sublimation, whereas traditional adhesive consolidants must be removed (and then only partially) through the use of solvents and mechanical action, which can be hard on the artefacts. CDD’s main drawback is its sublimation rate, which is slow enough that subsequent treatment of heavily coated objects cannot always be completed within a suitable time frame. This research compares CDD with a range of alternative volatile binding media to determine their relative usefulness for block-lifting. Camphene was determined to be unsuitable for archaeological block-lifting due to its lack of rigidity, excessively fast sublimation rate and typical impurity. Menthol was found to have the desired properties but was susceptible to melting in a warm climate, as observed in a field test. Its melting temperature may be ideal in colder conditions. Mixtures of CDD and menthol with a low menthol content were found to have the desired properties but require further testing.

Description

This paper is published in the book ‘Subliming Surfaces: Volatile Binding Media in Heritage Conservation’, ed. Christina Rozeik (University of Cambridge Museums, 2018), pp. 97-99.

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University of Cambridge Museums