Sabun lerak for washing batik

A surfactant sabun lerak derived from the lerak tree (Sapindus
rarak?) is commonly used for washing cotton batik in Indonesia. I am
interested in finding out the composition of the contents sabun
lerak and if anyone has any experience or knowledge of this
surfactant. In particular I am interested to know if it is a
suitable anionic surfactant for conservation use and if it has any
effect on the long-term preservation of cotton batik. Any
information would be of interest.

Kristin Phillips
Principal Conservator Textiles
Artlab Australia
70 Kintore Avenue
Adelaide SA 5000
+61 8 8207 7520
Fax: +61 8 8207 7529


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 21:43
               Distributed: Wednesday, February 13, 2008
                       Message Id: cdl-21-43-015
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