Sustainable Apolar Gels for Cleaning Polychrome Artefacts and Metals from Apolar Substances
Workshop Hosted by YOCOCU APS at the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia and the Restoration School of the Academy of Fine Arts in Naples
Workshop Objectives
This hands-on, interactive workshop delves into the application of gels formulated with apolar solvents and cellulose-derived ingredients, designed to be safe, effective, and environmentally friendly. The session aims to provide participants with the opportunity to compare traditional solvents, such as Ligroin, with eco-friendly alternatives like Methyl Myristate and Isopropyl Palmitate, for cleaning metal and polychrome surfaces through direct laboratory activities. Participants will gain practical experience in preparing apolar gels, evaluating the stability and effectiveness of various emulsifiers, and observing the impact on treated surfaces.
How to Participate
The event is free and limited to 25 participants.
Registration is required by December 9, 2024, for Rome, and by January 19, 2025, for Naples at the following link:
https://www.yococu.com/it/events-it/registrazione-eventi-yococu/
Workshop Structure
Introduction to Materials and Equipment (20 minutes)
Objective: Orient participants regarding methods and materials.
Introduction to the research activity that led to the formulation of apolar gels.
Gel Formulation and Choice of Emulsifiers (40 minutes)
Objective: Prepare experimental gels following provided guidelines.
Brief demonstration on how to combine apolar solvents and cellulose derivatives using the Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) and Hansen’s solubility parameters to achieve stable emulsions.
Preparation of gels based on Ligroin, Methyl Myristate, and Isopropyl Palmitate, applying different concentrations of emulsifiers.
Determination of the gel’s consistency and stability through macroscopic and microscopic analysis.
Application of Gels on Samples and Evaluation of Effects (60 minutes)
Objective: Test the effectiveness of the formulated gels in removing protective coatings from metal samples or polychrome artworks and evaluate their cleaning efficacy.
Distribution of samples with various apolar protective coatings commonly used in conservation, such as microcrystalline waxes, acrylic resins, and protective varnishes.
Application of gels on samples to assess solvent power.
Spectrocolorimetric analysis to monitor the presence of any residues and the degree of cleaning.
Evaluation of Results and Final Discussion (60 minutes)
Objective: Compare results and discuss observations.
Collection and discussion of results: each group of participants will present their treated samples, examining the effectiveness of the gels in cleaning.
Discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of eco-friendly solvents compared to traditional ones, considering safety, reversibility, and selectivity.
Insights on how experimental results can be applied to the conservation of cultural heritage.
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This workshop will provide participants with not only direct experience with eco-friendly solvents and innovative cleaning systems for artworks but also awareness of more sustainable conservation practices. The session will offer an overview of apolar gels and how to formulate them for cultural heritage conservation that is respectful of both the environment and the health of conservators
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