Consolidants for fossils

In reply to Colin Macgregor's inquiry as to the stability of
"Paleobond", you would need to know the specific type of
cyanoacrylate (there are many), and whether it contains
plasticizers, retardants or other additives.  In general, the
cyanoacrylates are not very stable, and break down by hydrolysis or
light exposure.  As adhesives, the cyanoacrylates are difficult to
remove; as consolidants, I would say, almost impossible.

In order to avoid having your solvent-consolidant drawn back to the
surface, try this simple procedure: Consolidate your specimens in a
closed polyethylene bag, and after consolidation, simply cut a
corner off the bag, drain off the consolidant, tape the corner, and
leave the specimen to dry. The solvent will slowly migrate through
the permeable polyethylene, and you will have a well-consolidated,
non-shiny specimen.  Changing your solvent/resin concentration will
also help.

I personally would not recommend the use of cyanoacrylates for use
as consolidants.

Stephen Koob
Conservator
The Corning Museum of Glass
One Corning Glass Center
Corning, NY 14830
607-974-8228
Fax: 607-974-8470

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 13:10
                   Distributed: Monday, July 26, 1999
                       Message Id: cdl-13-10-003
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