Solid-phase properties, consolidants

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. 

We shall now consolidate the thermodynamics discussed in the foregoing frames. We use it to examine how thermodynamics can be used, first, to predict and explain the behaviour of a pure substance in various single phases (solid, liquid and gas). We shall try to infer the properties of pure substances and compare our predictions with actual properties observed experimentally. We shall find that our predictions are broadly consistent with the latter illustrating the power of thermodynamics as a practical and useful tool. 

Suspensions of colloidal particles are widely used in a number of processing steps in practical applications processing of ceramics (Lewis, 2000), in consumer products, in paints and inks, and in the production ofphotonic band gap crystals for optical applications (Braun, 1999, 2001). Suspensions offer imique advantages because particle interactions can be tuned to achieve desired properties. The result is, suspensions can be produced that are easily pumped, settle rapidly, can be shaped, dried and sintered, and easily consolidated. While the details of how these properties are achieved will vary with the chemistry of the solid and fluid phases of interest, the imderlying physical chemistry of the colloidal state will be common between different materials thus offering general guidelines on how to achieve the desired properties. 

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