Foaming cleaning agents

New Scientist, 23rd September 1995 reports on the work of Walter
Gneisinger and staff of University of Wales, College of Cardiff
investigating whether foam based cleaning agents could limit water
damage to delicate fabrics.

Because of their structure foams spread the same amount of
preserving chemical over a fabric using much less water or solvent
than other immersion methods.

The research team made a variety of foam compositions and the
performance was compared with washing in water alone or washing in a
solution of polyoxyethylene agents in water. A foam composed of a
polyoxyethylene branched-chain alcohol outperformed the other
contenders, providing the same results as a half hour immersion wash
at 30 degree C. Tests are continuing.

Mark Vine
England

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 9:30
                Distributed: Friday, September 29, 1995
                        Message Id: cdl-9-30-006
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