What is Plasticizer?
Plasticizers are additives that are used to increase the flexibility, workability, and durability of plastics. They are typically added to polymers to improve their performance and make them easier to mold and shape. Plasticizers work by reducing the intermolecular forces between polymer chains, allowing them to slide past each other more easily.
Plasticizers can be either low molecular weight compounds or polymers. They are often added to plastics during the manufacturing process to achieve specific properties, such as softness, flexibility, or resistance to heat and chemicals. Common plasticizers include phthalates, adipates, and citrates.
Plasticizers are widely used in a variety of industries, including the automotive, construction, and packaging industries. They are also commonly used in the production of vinyl flooring, toys, and medical devices.
Types of Plasticizers
There are several different types of plasticizers, each with its own unique properties and applications. Some of the most common types of plasticizers include phthalates, adipates, citrates, and epoxidized soybean oil.
Phthalates are one of the most widely used types of plasticizers and are commonly found in products such as vinyl flooring, toys, and medical devices. Adipates are another common type of plasticizer that are often used in food packaging and other applications where flexibility and durability are important.
Citrates are a type of plasticizer that is derived from citric acid and are often used in products that come into contact with food or beverages. Epoxidized soybean oil is a natural plasticizer that is derived from soybeans and is often used in environmentally friendly plastics.
Uses of Plasticizers in Art Conservation and Restoration
Plasticizers are commonly used in the field of art conservation and restoration to help preserve and protect delicate artworks and artifacts. They are often used to restore flexibility and strength to aging or deteriorating materials, such as paintings, sculptures, and textiles.
Plasticizers can be applied to the surface of an artwork or artifact to help prevent cracking, flaking, or other forms of deterioration. They can also be used to consolidate fragile materials and improve their overall stability.
In addition to their use in conservation and restoration, plasticizers are also used in the production of conservation materials, such as adhesives, coatings, and sealants. These materials are designed to be compatible with a wide range of artworks and artifacts and are often used to repair and protect them from further damage.
Risks and Concerns Associated with Plasticizers
While plasticizers can provide many benefits in terms of flexibility and durability, there are also risks and concerns associated with their use. One of the main concerns is the potential for plasticizers to leach out of plastics and contaminate the environment.
Phthalates, in particular, have been linked to a variety of health issues, including hormone disruption, reproductive problems, and cancer. As a result, there has been a growing push to reduce the use of phthalates in consumer products and to find safer alternatives.
In addition to health concerns, plasticizers can also have negative effects on the stability and longevity of artworks and artifacts. Over time, plasticizers can migrate to the surface of an artwork and cause discoloration, staining, or other forms of damage.
Testing for Plasticizers in Art Objects
Testing for plasticizers in art objects is an important part of the conservation and restoration process. There are several different methods that can be used to detect the presence of plasticizers in artworks and artifacts, including solvent extraction, gas chromatography, and infrared spectroscopy.
Solvent extraction is a common method used to test for plasticizers in art objects. In this process, a solvent is applied to the surface of the artwork to extract any plasticizers that may be present. The solvent is then analyzed to determine the type and concentration of plasticizers in the sample.
Gas chromatography is another method that can be used to test for plasticizers in art objects. In this process, a sample of the artwork is heated to release any plasticizers that may be present. The released plasticizers are then separated and identified using a gas chromatograph.
Infrared spectroscopy is a non-destructive method that can be used to test for plasticizers in art objects. In this process, a beam of infrared light is passed through the artwork to identify the presence of specific chemical compounds, such as plasticizers.
Removing Plasticizers from Art Objects
Removing plasticizers from art objects can be a challenging and delicate process. There are several different methods that can be used to remove plasticizers from artworks and artifacts, including solvent cleaning, heat treatment, and mechanical removal.
Solvent cleaning is a common method used to remove plasticizers from art objects. In this process, a solvent is applied to the surface of the artwork to dissolve and remove any plasticizers that may be present. The solvent is then carefully removed to prevent damage to the artwork.
Heat treatment is another method that can be used to remove plasticizers from art objects. In this process, the artwork is heated to a specific temperature to volatilize and remove any plasticizers that may be present. Care must be taken to ensure that the artwork is not damaged during the heating process.
Mechanical removal is a more aggressive method that can be used to remove plasticizers from art objects. In this process, the surface of the artwork is mechanically abraded to remove any plasticizers that may be present. This method is typically used as a last resort due to the risk of damaging the artwork.