AIC 53rd Annual Meeting

Xanthan-konjac/agar double-network hydrogels, a recent addition to the conservation cleaning toolkit, are thermoreversible, optically clear, cohesive, flexible, conformable, and elastic hydrogels capable of controlled delivery of a broad range of aqueous preparations, some organic solvents, and microemulsions. The development of these hydrogels is described in a separate submission.

Here, a series of case studies illustrate successful applications of these gels for the cleaning of easel paintings, painted surfaces, East Asian export lacquer, gilded surfaces, and works of art on paper, highlighting potential uses and limitations for these versatile formulations. Taken together, we present a model for early dissemination of emergent treatment materials, embracing a feedback loop to refine production and application techniques.