Aquazol - ett åldringsbeständigt ämne?

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the age properties of Aquazol. Approximately two decades ago a new consolidant entered the conservation market, Aquazol. Practically every paper written about this synthetic resin mention its stability and age-resistant qualities, however, it seems that few tests have actually been performed. A literature study was conducted to gain more knowledge of the material and previous research made on the subject. Naturally aged Aquazol was compared with new Aquazol and Aquazol exposed to accelerated ageing, measuring changes in solubility and transparence. Three different molecular weights of Aquazol were tested, 50, 200 and 500 g/mol. Examination with FTIR was performed on new and naturally aged Aquazol granules. This study indicates both positive and negative age properties of Aquazol. Therefore, more tests, especially with naturally aged material, are required. The experiments showed that Aquazol was solved more efficiently after accelerated ageing and that water was the most effective solvent. It seemed that Aquazol 50 was the inferior of the tested molecular weights, since it had the greatest amount of yellowing. Besides, it showed greatest change at natural ageing as well. Aquazol 500, on the other hand, did not show any sign of yellowing after accelerated ageing. Also, examination with FTIR showed that Aquazol 500 had changed least of all after natural ageing.