Cyclododecane: Technical Note on Some Uses in Paper and Objects Conservation

• Published in: Journal of the American Institute for Conservation 1999, Vol.38 (2), p.162-175
• Main Authors: Brückle, Irene, Thornton, Jonathan, Nichols, Kimberly, Strickler, Gerri
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Art conservation; Gum arabic; Inks; Material films; Materials; Molding; Silicones; Solvents; Washing; Water treatment
• ISSN: 0197-1360; 1945-2330
• DOI: 10.1179/019713699806113501

Cyclododecane, a volatile cyclic alkane (C 12 H 24 ), was recently introduced to the conservation field as a temporary consolidant or masking material with suggested uses in paintings, textile and architectural conservation. In the present study, the waxlike hydrocarbon material was tested for its potential use as a temporary fixative for water-sensitive media on paper using an adaptation of a commercial wax-melting tool. Cyclododecane offered considerable, although not always complete, protection during aqueous treatments performed on media with different degrees of water sensitivity. The hydrocarbon was further investigated as a barrier film for taking molds from objects with porous surfaces that are easily contaminated by residues of the silicone mold materials commonly used. In combination with gum arabic or methylcellulose, this barrier system virtually eliminated the penetration of the silicone oils into the surface of modern flowerpot shards and limestone samples. In both of these applications, cyclododecane sublimed completely from the substrates after treatment. These findings suggest that other improvements of current treatments in different conservation specialties may be realized through the use of cyclododecane.