Renée Stein, J. Kimmel, Michele Marincola
Jan 1, 2000
Citations
3
Influential Citations
32
Citations
Journal
Journal of the American Institute for Conservation
Abstract
Abstract Cyclododecane (C12H24) is a solid cyclic hydrocarbon that sublimes at room temperature. Cyclododecane has been used increasingly as a temporary consolidant for a variety of weak or friable materials. This study focuses on the physical behavior and working properties of cyclododecane when applied as a solid and in solution to both porous and nonporous substrates. Melted cyclododecane and saturated solutions of the consolidant in hexanes, xylenes, and Shellsol OMS were applied to three different substrates: glass slides, Monks Park limestone, and Ohio Massillian sandstone. Solution mobility, application techniques, and penetration were assessed. Sublimation was monitored in three ways: visually, as a function of weight loss over time, and via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. This research evaluates the extent of sublimation of cyclododecane from both porous and nonporous substrates and notes the absence of detectable residues. Both substrate porosity and delivery method were found to affect consolidant penetration and rate of sublimation. The practical tests, analyses, and case study indicate the appropriateness and usefulness of cyclododecane for temporary applications on stone substrates.