The Influence of Temperature on the Application of Cyclododecane in Paper Conservation

Abstract

In paper conservation, cyclododecane (CDD) is commonly used to waterproof water-sensitive inks and paints. In order to apply CDD over thin lines (such as those of drawings or signatures), conservators often use kistkas. While being a useful, convenient tool, the kistka does not always allow for a precise application of CDD. In this study, the influence of the CDD temperature on its tendency to spread through the paper-fibre web and its ability to waterproof water-sensitive materials were assessed. CDD was applied on four types of paper that were considered to be representative. During the tests, the temperature of a regular kistka was precisely controlled through an open-loop phasecontrol AC regulator. The test series showed that at a temperature of approximately 70°C, CDD is very easy to apply precisely, yet its waterproofing effects are not very good; at approximately 90°C, CDD is excellent at waterproofing, but is very difficult to apply precisely. While the ideal temperature may vary depending on the technical requirements of the artefact, it is important to stress that a variation of as little as 5°C has a relevant influence on the applicability and waterproofing efficiency of melted CDD.

Naturally Degradable Photonic Devices with Transient Function by Heterostructured Waxy‐Sublimating and Water‐Soluble Materials

“…Here, we present the first example of combined dry–wet transient devices in photonics, based on water‐soluble compounds layered onto sublimating substrates. Cyclododecane (CDD), a wax‐like nonpolar cyclic hydrocarbon solid, widely used as a temporary consolidant, adhesive, or barrier during archeological recovery, [ 16 ] serves as substrate for an optically‐active water‐dissolvable polymer bilayer encompassing a laser dye, as schematized in Figure a. The relevance of this method is twofold, involving both fundamental and practical findings.…”

Cyclododecane shaping, sublimation rate and residue analysis for the extraction of painting micro-samples from resin cross-sections

“…It can be used pure and melted 59 , between 80 and 100 °C 60 or mixed with solvents 47 , 61 . Depending on the method and the temperature of application and cooling 62 , the recrystallisation is affected 63 and affects the CDD properties 47 , such as the penetration depth, film thickness 63 and sublimation rate 55 , 64 . Prescutti et al 59 determined that a highly concentrated CDD solution or pure melted CDD has a low infiltration power and recrystallises more quickly compared with a low-concentration solution in large crystals, creating a thick and compact layer on the surface of the sample.…”

Studies of internal stress induced by solidification of menthol melt as temporary consolidant in archaeological excavations using resistance strain gauge method

“…Recently, on-site temporary consolidation has attracted more and more attention due to its reversibility. Cyclododecane (CDD) [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] and menthol [22][23][24][25], also referred as "volatile binder media" [23,24], are mostly used temporary consolidants. In typical applications, the material is melted and applied on the target cultural relics.…”

“…Thus, it arouses our attention and interest in investigating possible internal stress induced on the artifacts during temporary consolidation practice. Although successful applications of CDD and menthol as consolidant have demonstrated their safety to cultural heritages [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25], vital information about the internal stress such as generation mechanism, magnitude and distribution, which can be interesting and helpful to conservators, is still unclear.…”