The Use of Acryloid B-72 in the Treatment of Archaeological Ceramics: Minimal Intervention
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THE USE OF ACRYLOID B-72 IN THE TREATMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL CERAMICS: MINIMAL INTERVENTION STEPHEN P. KOOB* *Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and the Institution, Washington, D.C. 20560
Freer
Gallery
of
Art,
Smithsonian
ABSTRACT The treatment of archaeological ceramics, whether on site or in the laboratory, can be effectively carried out with the use of one synthetic material, Acryloid B-72. This acrylic copolymer provides excellent properties for the strengthening or consolidation of weak and friable ceramics, and also The strength and durability of B-72 make it a makes an excellent adhesive. suitable adhesive for a broad range of ceramics, from low-fired earthenwares to china and porcelain. Acryloid B-72 is easily prepared on site, and for most applications can be dissolved in acetone. Various concentrations are recommended and Flaking and application can be modified to suit local conditions and needs. dry) and lifted for fragile fragments can be consolidated in situ (if individual attention in the laboratory. Soluble salts may be extracted from consolidated ceramics by soaking or using poultices. The well-known stability and reversibility of Acryloid B-72 allow for easy retreatment, or subsequent repair of additional fragments.
INTRODUCTION The introduction and proliferation in recent years of numerous new commercial adhesives has provided the archaeologist and conservator with an Most of arsenal of synthetic materials to use on archaeological ceramics. these materials have severe limitations as adhesives and consolidants and are not suitable for, nor compatible with, the broad range of pottery found on archaeological sites. Acryloid B-72 is an acrylic resin copolymer which offers all of the properties needed for the assembly and strengthening (when required) of archaeological ceramics. The application and concentration of the resin can be modified to suit particular needs and individual circumstances. The resin is well known for its stability and reversibility, and in fact, is generally used as a standard against which other resins are compared.
Requirements
in choosing a consolidant/adhesive
Pottery found on an excavation can often be examined, studied,. and analyzed in a fragmentary state, so long as the fragments (sherds) are clean However, in order for the fragments to be of dirt and obscuring deposits. handled, drawn, and comprehended as a vessel (or other ceramic entity), it it often necessary for the fragments to be assembled in a more stable and understandable context. Furthermore, reconstruction is often needed for publication (photography), museum display, and comparative study. The adhesive and consolidant requirements of a resin for use on archaeological ceramics are well documented [1,2] and reflect its physical and These consist of its stability, ease of application, chemical properties. compatibility, appropriate strength and durability, and ease of removal. Removal or "reversibility" is a much desired property for an adhesive, as it: allows the fragments to be completely disassembled without
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