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Rubidium hydroxide polyethylene glycol crown ether in the conservation of old master paintings *
Author(s) -
Hilfrich U.,
Weser U.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
archaeometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.716
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1475-4754
pISSN - 0003-813X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1475-4754.2004.00169.x
Subject(s) - polyethylene glycol , varnish , materials science , chemical engineering , chemistry , polymer chemistry , organic chemistry , composite material , engineering , coating
The development of new, gentler methods for the conservation of Old Master paintings, with an emphasis on the removal or thinning of deteriorated varnish, is of high priority. In the course of the deterioration process, oxidative attacks lead to progressive formation of carboxylic acid groups, while many ester bondings are expected to be weakened. A stable RbOH polyethylene glycol complex was a promising tool to react with these moieties and to successfully break down the polymeric varnish layer. The remnants were easily wiped off mechanically. Control studies employing 86 RbOH and 14 C polyacrylate showed the complete absence of residual cleansing components on the paint surface.