Rubidium hydroxide polyethylene glycol crown ether in the conservation of old master paintings

Authors: U. Hilfrich; U. Weser

Source: Archaeometry, Volume 46, Number 3, August 2004 , pp. 481-496(16)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $48.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

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 ⁸⁶RbOH and ¹⁴C polyacrylate showed the complete absence of residual cleansing components on the paint surface.

Keywords: VARNISH REMOVAL; LINSEED OIL; LINOXIN; RbOH PEG 400 CROWN ETHER; ESTER BONDINGS; POLYACRYLIC ACID; 86Rb+; 14C; CARBOXYLATE

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-4754.2004.00169.x

Affiliations: 1: University of Tübingen, Anorganische Biochemie, Physiologisch-Chemisches Institut, Hoppe-Seyler Strasse 4, D 72076 Tübingen, Germany

Publication date: 2004-08-01