Penetration disintegrated fabric

The effectiveness of both simple and integrated consolidation systems depends on successful cis penetration of the disintegrated fabric. The methods of simple consolidation are similar to those of integrated consolidation at this phase. Similar materials are often used to make the initial bond with the artifact. 

Evaluation. Consolidants should be evaluated for their properties relative to the artifact material profile. In general, the consolidant should have an appropriate degree of surface tension to adequately wet and penetrate the disintegrated fabric. It should also possess suflScient flexibility of polymerization or set time to allow for full penetration of the degraded area. 

Whether the conservator is performing a simple or complex consolidation, an intimate bond must be established with the disintegrated material. Penetration or introduction of the consolidant into the disintegrated fabric should theoretically occur to a predetermined level of decomposition (incipient, moderate, heavy). The conservator is concerned with three sets of properties liquid phase, transitional phase, and solid phase. Table I indicates the particular concerns for the three phases. 

The most critical component is the artifact interface. The initial bonding process or penetration of the disintegrated fabric is selected relative to the characteristics of the degraded field. The following categories are presented with suggestions for the type of consolidant that might be used. 

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