Marker for PEG

Karin Abelskamp <k.abelskamp [at] archeologie__nl> writes

>Currently, ArchaeoSpecialists is carrying out experiments in
>impregnating wood with PEG. To determine the extent of impregnation,
>we would like to "mark" the PEG (4000) solution to make the PEG
>easily recognized within the object after treatment (after
>cross-section). I can imagine that this has been done before. Does
>anyone have experience with the use of markers for this purpose?
>What type did you use and why?

I have successfully used solutions of potassium bismuth
iodide/barium chloride and bromine/potassium iodide sprayed onto the
wood and printed onto a blotting paper.

The method is described by

    Per Hoffmann. "A rapid method for the detection of polyethylene
    glycols(P.E.G.) in wood", in Studies in Conservation 28 (4)
    November 1983 p. 189-183


                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 20:41
                 Distributed: Sunday, February 25, 2007
                       Message Id: cdl-20-41-007
                                  ***