Zeitschrift für Kunsttechnologie und Konservierung, 2022
Adhesive meshes are micro-structured and honeycomb-shaped, flexible adhesive nets. They can be pr... more Adhesive meshes are micro-structured and honeycomb-shaped, flexible adhesive nets. They can be produced from a variety of adhesives such as water-soluble methylcelluloses or sturgeon glue. These two have proofed long-term stability for several decades now and have found wide application in the field of conservation. If a painting allows for temporary use of moisture, adhesive meshes provide an interesting alternative to common adhesives, such as acrylic dispersions and hot-melt adhesives, as their application does require neither heat nor organic solvents. The dry adhesive meshes are positioned in place and activated using a controlled supply of water. Depending on the accessibility of the bonding area, water can be sprayed or applied by a suitable carrier material like capillary non-wovens. After activation, the parts are joined under light pressure until dry. This technique provides an exceptionally uniform distribution of the adhesive throughout the bonding surface, a permeable and reversible bonding, and as such assuring a minimally invasive and highly controllable treatment. So far, several case studies underpin the practical applicability, comprising strip lining, full linings, the application of small patches at the tacking margin or the re-attachment of failing historic linings along the edges. Originating from a diploma project at the Dresden University of Fine Arts (HfBK Dresden), Germany, adhesive meshes were further investigated within a research project at the Bern University of Applied Sciences in cooperation with APM Technica AG, both Switzerland, and the HfBK Dresden. The outcome was an improved production process, commercial availability of adhesive meshes, and widening the product range by investigating basic adhesive properties of methylcellulose meshes. This current contribution explored adhesive meshes made of Methocel™ A4C (400 mPa·s) and Methocel™ A15LV (15 mPa·s) with respect to material and adhesive properties in comparison to the physical behavior of BEVA® 371 films. Commercial adhesive meshes, mass-produced by APM Technica, were compared to self-made adhesive meshes, manufactured using a laser-cut silicone mold. Canvas specimens were bonded with adhesive meshes, activated using a standardized spraying technique for laboratory tests. Bonding properties were determined by lap shear tests according to DIN EN 1465 that was adapted to canvas specimens. The results show that adhesive strength varies depending on the amount of activation water and the viscosity of the methylcellulose. Commercial and self-made adhesive meshes show similar tendencies despite the different weight per unit area (grammage). Both manufacturing modalities resulted in similar trends in bond strength. Due to the overall lower grammage, self-made Methocel™ A4C adhesive meshes require smaller amounts of water for activation, whereas APMˈs adhesive meshes are capable of higher maximum adhesive bond strengths when activated sufficiently. In general, the bond strength of adhesive meshes made from medium-viscosity Methocel™ A4C increases with the amount of activation water and can be adjusted over a wide range from slight to very strong adhesion. A moderate amount of activation water of ≥200 g/m² results in high to very high bond strengths, which are equal to and even exceed those of BEVA® 371 films. Adhesive meshes made from the low-viscosity Methocel™ A15LV achieve lower bond strengths, yet require smaller amounts of water ≤200 g/m² for activation. A higher water input leads to dissolution of the mesh, to a deeper penetration of the glue into the canvas and finally to a decrease in bond strength. In conclusion, adhesive meshes made from Methocel™ A4C meet the requirements when canvas bonding needs to withstand high tensile stress, e.g. with strip lining. Methocel™ A15LV meshes are, on the other hand, particularly suited to attach smaller patches exposed to low or moderate stress. They proved suitable for poorly accessible bonding surfaces and water-sensitive materials where only a minimum of humidity is acceptable.
Zeitschrift für Kunsttechnologie und Konservierung, 2022
Adhesive meshes are micro-structured and honeycomb-shaped, flexible adhesive nets. They can be pr... more Adhesive meshes are micro-structured and honeycomb-shaped, flexible adhesive nets. They can be produced from a variety of adhesives such as water-soluble methylcelluloses or sturgeon glue. These two have proofed long-term stability for several decades now and have found wide application in the field of conservation. If a painting allows for temporary use of moisture, adhesive meshes provide an interesting alternative to common adhesives, such as acrylic dispersions and hot-melt adhesives, as their application does require neither heat nor organic solvents. The dry adhesive meshes are positioned in place and activated using a controlled supply of water. Depending on the accessibility of the bonding area, water can be sprayed or applied by a suitable carrier material like capillary non-wovens. After activation, the parts are joined under light pressure until dry. This technique provides an exceptionally uniform distribution of the adhesive throughout the bonding surface, a permeable and reversible bonding, and as such assuring a minimally invasive and highly controllable treatment. So far, several case studies underpin the practical applicability, comprising strip lining, full linings, the application of small patches at the tacking margin or the re-attachment of failing historic linings along the edges. Originating from a diploma project at the Dresden University of Fine Arts (HfBK Dresden), Germany, adhesive meshes were further investigated within a research project at the Bern University of Applied Sciences in cooperation with APM Technica AG, both Switzerland, and the HfBK Dresden. The outcome was an improved production process, commercial availability of adhesive meshes, and widening the product range by investigating basic adhesive properties of methylcellulose meshes. This current contribution explored adhesive meshes made of Methocel™ A4C (400 mPa·s) and Methocel™ A15LV (15 mPa·s) with respect to material and adhesive properties in comparison to the physical behavior of BEVA® 371 films. Commercial adhesive meshes, mass-produced by APM Technica, were compared to self-made adhesive meshes, manufactured using a laser-cut silicone mold. Canvas specimens were bonded with adhesive meshes, activated using a standardized spraying technique for laboratory tests. Bonding properties were determined by lap shear tests according to DIN EN 1465 that was adapted to canvas specimens. The results show that adhesive strength varies depending on the amount of activation water and the viscosity of the methylcellulose. Commercial and self-made adhesive meshes show similar tendencies despite the different weight per unit area (grammage). Both manufacturing modalities resulted in similar trends in bond strength. Due to the overall lower grammage, self-made Methocel™ A4C adhesive meshes require smaller amounts of water for activation, whereas APMˈs adhesive meshes are capable of higher maximum adhesive bond strengths when activated sufficiently. In general, the bond strength of adhesive meshes made from medium-viscosity Methocel™ A4C increases with the amount of activation water and can be adjusted over a wide range from slight to very strong adhesion. A moderate amount of activation water of ≥200 g/m² results in high to very high bond strengths, which are equal to and even exceed those of BEVA® 371 films. Adhesive meshes made from the low-viscosity Methocel™ A15LV achieve lower bond strengths, yet require smaller amounts of water ≤200 g/m² for activation. A higher water input leads to dissolution of the mesh, to a deeper penetration of the glue into the canvas and finally to a decrease in bond strength. In conclusion, adhesive meshes made from Methocel™ A4C meet the requirements when canvas bonding needs to withstand high tensile stress, e.g. with strip lining. Methocel™ A15LV meshes are, on the other hand, particularly suited to attach smaller patches exposed to low or moderate stress. They proved suitable for poorly accessible bonding surfaces and water-sensitive materials where only a minimum of humidity is acceptable.
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Papers by Ella Dudew
Originating from a diploma project at the Dresden University of Fine Arts (HfBK Dresden), Germany, adhesive meshes were further investigated within a research project at the Bern University of Applied Sciences in cooperation with APM Technica AG, both Switzerland, and the HfBK Dresden. The outcome was an improved production process, commercial availability of adhesive meshes, and widening the product range by investigating basic adhesive properties of methylcellulose meshes. This current contribution explored adhesive meshes made of Methocel™ A4C (400 mPa·s) and Methocel™ A15LV (15 mPa·s) with respect to material and adhesive properties in comparison to the physical behavior of BEVA® 371 films. Commercial adhesive meshes, mass-produced by APM Technica, were compared to self-made adhesive meshes, manufactured using a laser-cut silicone mold. Canvas specimens were bonded with adhesive meshes, activated using a standardized spraying technique for laboratory tests. Bonding properties were determined by lap shear tests according to DIN EN 1465 that was adapted to canvas specimens. The results show that adhesive strength varies depending on the amount of activation water and the viscosity of the methylcellulose. Commercial and self-made adhesive meshes show similar tendencies despite the different weight per unit area (grammage). Both manufacturing modalities resulted in similar trends in bond strength. Due to the overall lower grammage, self-made Methocel™ A4C adhesive meshes require smaller amounts of water for activation, whereas APMˈs adhesive meshes are capable of higher maximum adhesive bond strengths when activated sufficiently. In general, the bond strength of adhesive meshes made from medium-viscosity Methocel™ A4C increases with the amount of activation water and can be adjusted over a wide range from slight to very strong adhesion. A moderate amount of activation water of ≥200 g/m² results in high to very high bond strengths, which are equal to and even exceed those of BEVA® 371 films. Adhesive meshes made from the low-viscosity Methocel™ A15LV achieve lower bond strengths, yet require smaller amounts of water ≤200 g/m² for activation. A higher water input leads to dissolution of the mesh, to a deeper penetration of the glue into the canvas and finally to a decrease in bond strength. In conclusion, adhesive meshes made from Methocel™ A4C meet the requirements when canvas bonding needs to withstand high tensile stress, e.g. with strip lining. Methocel™ A15LV meshes are, on the other hand, particularly suited to attach smaller patches exposed to low or moderate stress. They proved suitable for poorly accessible bonding surfaces and water-sensitive materials where only a minimum of humidity is acceptable.
Originating from a diploma project at the Dresden University of Fine Arts (HfBK Dresden), Germany, adhesive meshes were further investigated within a research project at the Bern University of Applied Sciences in cooperation with APM Technica AG, both Switzerland, and the HfBK Dresden. The outcome was an improved production process, commercial availability of adhesive meshes, and widening the product range by investigating basic adhesive properties of methylcellulose meshes. This current contribution explored adhesive meshes made of Methocel™ A4C (400 mPa·s) and Methocel™ A15LV (15 mPa·s) with respect to material and adhesive properties in comparison to the physical behavior of BEVA® 371 films. Commercial adhesive meshes, mass-produced by APM Technica, were compared to self-made adhesive meshes, manufactured using a laser-cut silicone mold. Canvas specimens were bonded with adhesive meshes, activated using a standardized spraying technique for laboratory tests. Bonding properties were determined by lap shear tests according to DIN EN 1465 that was adapted to canvas specimens. The results show that adhesive strength varies depending on the amount of activation water and the viscosity of the methylcellulose. Commercial and self-made adhesive meshes show similar tendencies despite the different weight per unit area (grammage). Both manufacturing modalities resulted in similar trends in bond strength. Due to the overall lower grammage, self-made Methocel™ A4C adhesive meshes require smaller amounts of water for activation, whereas APMˈs adhesive meshes are capable of higher maximum adhesive bond strengths when activated sufficiently. In general, the bond strength of adhesive meshes made from medium-viscosity Methocel™ A4C increases with the amount of activation water and can be adjusted over a wide range from slight to very strong adhesion. A moderate amount of activation water of ≥200 g/m² results in high to very high bond strengths, which are equal to and even exceed those of BEVA® 371 films. Adhesive meshes made from the low-viscosity Methocel™ A15LV achieve lower bond strengths, yet require smaller amounts of water ≤200 g/m² for activation. A higher water input leads to dissolution of the mesh, to a deeper penetration of the glue into the canvas and finally to a decrease in bond strength. In conclusion, adhesive meshes made from Methocel™ A4C meet the requirements when canvas bonding needs to withstand high tensile stress, e.g. with strip lining. Methocel™ A15LV meshes are, on the other hand, particularly suited to attach smaller patches exposed to low or moderate stress. They proved suitable for poorly accessible bonding surfaces and water-sensitive materials where only a minimum of humidity is acceptable.