The preservation of modern materials in significant contemporary art works through surface stabilisation

"The aim of this feasibility project is to develop an ultra-thin coating technique to cover complex multi component plastic forms of cultural significance which aids in the preservation of the materials. The coating will be formed on the surface of the item by the consecutive delivery of acrylate monomers via a supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) solvent. On mixing, the quick polymerisation will rapidly develop a sealed transparent protective coating, analogous to a varnish on the surface.

Many contemporary artworks are made up of or contain plastic formulations that are subject to degradation due to to hydrolysis and exposure to harmful UV rays. Here the aim will be to seal such items from air and/or water and light whilst allowing them to remain on display. Coating using acrylate plastics will be the focus of the study as they are known to rapidly form strong and clear 'varnishes' that are also chemically very stable once formed. Any existing conservation varnishes are considered to be too thick and thus very invasive if applied to these complex mixed plastic formulations. This scCO2 technique will deliver micron thickness polymer coating to stabilise the materials without affecting their material or visual integrity, which is essential for applications in art conservation."