From microfibre cloths to poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels – conservation cleaning of plastics heritage

Shashoua, Yvonne; Alterini, Margherita; Pastorelli, Gianluca; Cone, Louise

doi:10.1016/j.culher.2021.08.009

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…The tests allowed to define and implement a conservation methodology that at the end combined mechanical (dry), aqueous and chemical cleaning, following approaches already used in modern materials [23][24][25][26], photograph [27][28][29] and metal conservation [30][31][32][33]. After carrying out of these tests, it was decided to start the intervention with an overall surface cleaning with soft brushes and a vacuum cleaner.…”

Section: The Conservation and Restoration Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

Decision-making process and restoration work of a photographic-based artwork by Ernesto de Sousa

Roldão,

França de Sá,

Pinto Rodrigues

et al. 2023

Cons. Património

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This paper discusses the conservation challenges posed by the mixed-media photographic artwork, Revolução, Corpo, Tempo (1978) by Ernesto de Sousa, from Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea do Chiado, in Portugal. Due to the artwork's poor condition and an exhibition request, a conservation intervention was needed. However, the definition of a conservation plan was challenging because of the complex and singular creative process of Ernesto and the highly deteriorated exhibition mounting. The lack of existing information led to the start of a research study and to the production of new documentation. This paper examines the gathered knowledge on Ernesto de Sousa's work and case study, and his possible position regarding the artwork’s deterioration and evolution over time – fundamental issues for decision-making in conservation. Based on visual observation, archive research, informal interviews, photo-documentation, infrared spectroscopy, and x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, this paper discusses the challenges, the methodology and the applied treatment.

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Section: The Conservation and Restoration Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

Decision-making process and restoration work of a photographic-based artwork by Ernesto de Sousa

Roldão,

França de Sá,

Pinto Rodrigues

et al. 2023

Cons. Património

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“…After the POPART project, research into developing new cleaning options for plastics remains relatively sparse. Recent studies have explored the use of more sustainable conservation approaches, such as deep eutectic solvent (DES) formulations for the removal of degraded gelatin on cellulose nitrate cinematographic films [ 25 ]; natural and biodegradable solvents, such as limonene and ethyl lactate; nonionic surfactant based on alkoxylated fatty alcohols (commercial product Plurafac ® LF 900) [ 26 ]; and various types of confining systems and gels for the cleaning of PMMA and other plastics [ 27 , 28 , 29 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Confining systems and gels, such as agar, gellan gum, Nanorestore Gel MWR, or Nanorestore Gel Peggy 5 or 6, were shown to reduce mechanical friction and, hence, induce significantly less damage compared with traditional cleaning tools. In terms of cleaning efficacy, however, the gels did not perform particularly well, especially in removing sebum soil [ 28 , 29 ]. While these studies have undoubtedly expanded the range of suitable options available to conservators, definitive and safer solutions for cleaning the most susceptible plastics are still needed.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the Impact and Suitability of Dense Carbon Dioxide as a Green Solvent for the Treatment of PMMA of Historical Value

et al. 2023

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Surface cleaning of plastic materials of historical value can be challenging due to the high risk of inducing detrimental effects and visual alterations. As a result, recent studies have focused on researching new approaches that might reduce the associated hazards and, at the same time, minimize the environmental impact by employing biodegradable and green materials. In this context, the present work investigates the effects and potential suitability of dense carbon dioxide (CO2) as an alternative and green solvent for cleaning plastic materials of historical value. The results of extensive trials with CO2 in different phases (supercritical, liquid, and vapor) and under various conditions (pressure, temperature, exposure, and depressurization time) are reported for new, transparent, thick poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) samples. The impact of CO2 on the weight, the appearance of the samples (dimensions, color, gloss, and surface texture), and modifications to their physicochemical and mechanical properties were monitored via a multi-analytical approach that included optical microscopy, Raman and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopies, and micro-indentation (Vickers hardness). Results showed that CO2 induced undesirable and irreversible changes in PMMA samples (i.e., formation of fractures and stress-induced cracking, drastic decrease in the surface hardness of the samples), independent of the conditions used (i.e., temperature, pressure, CO2 phase, and exposure time).

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A Comparative Surface Cleaning Study of Op Structure, an Op Art PMMA Sculpture by Michael Dillon

Angelova

Sofer²,

Bartoletti

et al. 2022

Journal of the American Institute for Conservation

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From microfibre cloths to poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels – conservation cleaning of plastics heritage

Cited by 5 publications

References 6 publications

Decision-making process and restoration work of a photographic-based artwork by Ernesto de Sousa

Decision-making process and restoration work of a photographic-based artwork by Ernesto de Sousa

Assessing the Impact and Suitability of Dense Carbon Dioxide as a Green Solvent for the Treatment of PMMA of Historical Value

A Comparative Surface Cleaning Study of Op Structure, an Op Art PMMA Sculpture by Michael Dillon

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