The neutron tomography technique was employed to study the penetration and distribution of the consolidant Paraloid® B-72 in ceramic. This study was carried out in white contemporary ceramic vessels which were maintained in two distinct and controlled air humidity conditions, 35% and 90%, before the consolidant application (brushing technique). The results showed that the treatment with Paraloid® B-72 is more effective when applied in the drier vessel. The depth of penetration for the vessel at 35%, reaches (3.3 ± 0.1) mm in the wall, while for the one at 90%, (1.9 ± 0.1) mm, and the maximal concentration impregnation was 26% higher. The 3D images allowed a visualization of the impregnation process, that is, its distribution, failures, homogeneity, boundary between materials. These results demonstrated the feasibility of the neutron tomography technique and of the equipment of IPEN-CNEN/SP, in support the expert work in the field of preservation and restoration of ceramic objects.
Keywords:
neutron tomography; chemistry consolidant; acrylate polymers
