Additives for sturgeon glue

Ulf Brunne <ulf.brunne<-a t->cmv< . >se> writes

>When using sturgeon glue for consolidating paint flakes we have been
>using ethanol for reducing the surface tensions. We are interested
>to know if this can cause any chemical reactions, i.e. influence the
>reversibility of the glue film.

In 1991, we looked at adding garlic juice, glycerin and fumed silica
to Sturgeon Glue to improve flexibility.  This was done in
conjunction with a treatment of a Boulle Clock that the Canadian
Conservation Institute furniture lab was conserving at the time.  It
was found that all additives improved flexibility at the
concentrations tested but little was known about the long term
effects of adding such compounds.  It was argued that possibly
garlic juice might evaporate with time and the sturgeon glue would
lose its flexibility.  One author argued that fumed silica might
interfere with the natural hydrogen bonding of the adhesive to the
substrate.  To avoid these outcomes, only glycerin (5%) was added to
the Sturgeon Glue for the treatment.

This report is available from CCI ($10 Canadian for
Canadians; $20 Canadian for International clients; these prices include
postage).

We have not tested ethanol or Photo-Flo or for that matter any
wetting agents on Sturgeon Glue.

If you would like further information, please contact

    Jane Down
    Senior Conservation Scientist
    CCI
    613-998-3721
    Fax: 613-998-4721
    jane_down<-a t->pch< . >gc< . >ca

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 10:70
                Distributed: Thursday, February 6, 1997
                       Message Id: cdl-10-70-003
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