Trevco Museum Gel

Michele Derrick, Contract Research Scientist in the Department of
Scientific Research at the Museum of Fine Arts, performed infrared
analysis of Trevco Clear Museum Gel, yielding the following results:

   "Infrared analysis was done on a sample of the Trevco Clear
    Museum Gel commercial product.  The infrared analysis indicates
    that it is a polymer composed of dimethylsiloxane, commonly
    known as silicone.

   "Silicone oils have very good slip properties and are often used
    as lubricants.  They can be vulcanized to form polymers.  Most
    likely this sample has already been vulcanized to form the
    elastomeric thixotropic gel.  Silicones are chemically very
    stable.  Thus the sample is unlikely to change much with time
    unless it contains residual solvents or monomers that will
    evaporate or migrate.  Silicones can stain any porous materials
    on contact."

Will Jeffers
Collections Care Specialist
Department of Scientific Research
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 13:45
                 Distributed: Friday, February 25, 2000
                       Message Id: cdl-13-45-008
                                  ***