Gluing consolidation

In this chapter, archaeological wood is defined as wood that, as a result of time, exposure, and possibly conservation-related treatments (e.g., consolidation or stabilization), may have gluing properties or limitations signif-... 

The gluing of artifacts that, as a result of decay, insect attack, or possibly mechanical damage and wear, may require polymer reinforcement (consolidation) to be useful or serviceable. Gluing differences and diflSculties, although similar in principle to those in example 3, may be more intense and diflScult to deal with. 

With heavy loadings of acrylic consolidant, it might be possible to achieve gluing by the use of solvent only. The application of an appropriate solvent would soften the surface plastic, which would then function as an adhesive (similar to the way acrylic sheets are bonded with methyl ethyl ketone). 

PEG-Treated Wood. Wood treated with PEG will also have modified gluing properties, although, if properly redried, not as much so as heavily consolidated wood. The use of PEG as a dimensional stabilization treatment was developed in the 1950s (20) and it has been used on a limited scale since then. The utility of PEG treatment for waterlogged archaeological wood is now widely recognized, and it is quite possible that some of the wood so treated has been or will need to be glued. 

Wood that has survived archaeological time and conditions will undoubtedly have gluing properties that are, in varying degrees, different from those of fresh unmodified wood. Bulk strength may have been reduced and fluid permeability and absorbency increased. Surfaces, in particular, may have strength and wettability that have been altered by aging. Treatment with consolidants and dimensional stabilizers may have been necessary, and this will often leave surface residues and reduce permeability and absorbency. 

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