JAIC 2001, Volume 40, Number 2, Article 4 (pp. 125 to 136)

THE CONSERVATION OF WET MEDIEVAL WINDOW GLASS: A TEST USING AN ETHANOL AND ACETONE MIXED SOLVENT SYSTEM

D. R. GRIFFITHS, & A. M. FEUERBACH

ABSTRACT—This article describes some of the factors associated with the deterioration of ancient silicate glasses. On the basis of this model, a procedure is proposed for the conservation of an assemblage of excavated, wet, painted medieval window glass fragments. The fragments had been stored wet since excavation and needed to be consolidated for long-term storage in a way that was inexpensive, quick, and safe. The proposed treatment removes the water with ethanol and consolidates the fragments with Paraloid B-72 (an acrylic polymer) dissolved in a mixed ethanol and acetone solvent system. Examination of the stored samples five years after this treatment indicates that the method appears successful.
[Spanish Abstract] [French Abstract]

Article Sections:

1. INTRODUCTION
2. ARCHAEOLOGICAL GLASS AND ITS DECAY
3. THE BEDFORD GLASS ASSEMBLAGE
4. THE CONSERVATION OF THE BEDFORD GLASS ASSEMBLAGE
5. RESULTS
6. DISCUSSION
7. CONCLUSIONS
a: Notes , References , Author Information

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