4 CONCLUSION

VERY GOOD RESULTS ACHIEVED in treating some of the samples indicate that the method deserves further study. A water-white thermoplastic polymer can be uniformly deposited throughout the thickness of leather, in substantial quantity but with relatively little darkening effect. The strengthening of the leather can be dramatic. Various linear and cross-linked acrylic copolymers could be tried, including very soft ones made with n-butyl acrylate.

Though offered as a subject for further study, the method is by no means recom mended as a treatment. Systematic testing and modification would be needed to make the process safer and more predictable.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

THIS RESEARCH WAS FUNDED BY the Preservation Society of Newport County, Newport, Rhode Island. I would like to thank Sharon Blank, Toby Raphael, and Robin Chamberlin for providing literature references. Earlier development of the acrylic precipitation process was funded by The Smithsonian Institution through the National Museum Act.