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  5. Understanding microcrystalline waxes for the seismic protection of art objects
 
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Understanding microcrystalline waxes for the seismic protection of art objects

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Download open repository version.pdf21.05 MB
Author(s)
Crowley, Anne 
Laefer, Debra F. 
Uri
http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3427
Date Issued
2008
Date Available
06T12:14:35Z January 2012
Abstract
Use of microcrystalline waxes for the protection of ceramic art objects from seismic events is an inexpensive and relatively popular technique. This paper presents performance results for three commercial, microcrystalline waxes based on anchoring requirements of resisting seismic-induced tensile and shear forces, while exhibiting a ductile failure mode to prevent objects from suddenly detaching themselves from their display units and becoming sufficiently mobile to fall off stands or collide with other art objects. As many of the testing techniques described in this paper are not easily accessible to the average museum conservator, and some of the products may not be readily available, emphasis is placed on establishing an expected range of strengths, and correlations are suggested for predicting the general performance of any microcrystalline wax in a specific application arrangement, based on easily performed, simplified tests that were found to be able to predict tensile capacity within 10%. Distinctive performance trends were found amongst various products with capacity being as much as 183 kPa in tension and 42kPas in shear. The pre-application of a methylacrylate copolymer to the bonding surface consistently improved performance, while increasing wax thickness did not.
Sponsorship
Other funder
Other Sponsorship
Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism
Type of Material
Journal Article
Publisher
American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC)
Journal
Journal of the American Institute for Conservation
Volume
47
Issue
2
Start Page
119
End Page
139
Copyright (Published Version)
2008 American Institution for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works
Keywords
  • Microcrystalline wax

  • Seismic protection

  • Art objects

Subject – LCSH
Cushioning materials--Evaluation
Museum conservation methods
Art objects--Conservation and restoration
Earthquake damage--Prevention
Waxes--Testing
Language
English
Status of Item
Peer reviewed
This item is made available under a Creative Commons License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/1.0/
Owning collection
Civil Engineering Research Collection
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Feb 4, 2023
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