Characterization Study of Various Solvents of Paraloid B72 for Bronze Artifacts Conservation by Surface Analysis

We examined characterizations of Paraloid B72 films when it dissolved in four different solvents-acetone, MEK, toluene and xylene. The surface before and after coating were observed by optical microscope and AFM. Thickness and contact angle of films was measured and surface energy was calculated for grasping properties of films. We also tested adhesive strength of films by scratch tester and durability of films by performing yellowing test. The result was that xylene has better coating property than other solvents. Because 10% Paraloid B72 in xylene film is even, non-mottled, thin, stabilized in yellowish and has proper hydrophobic, we confirmed xylene is good solvent for bronze artifact conservation. However, other tests will need for finding appropriate concentration of Paraloid B72.