Solvent reactivation of hydroxypropyl cellulose (Klucel G ® ) in textile conservation: Recent developments

Abstract

This paper discusses through a series of tests and three case studies (a 1930s embroidery, an Inuit blouse ribbon and a seventeenth‐century Doge's hat) recent developments in the application of solvent reactivated hydroxypropyl cellulose (Klucel G®). At the Textile Conservation Centre different application techniques in reactivating adhesive‐coated silk crepeline with Industrial Methylated Spirit (IMS) and acetone (2‐propanone) were tested in order to assess their suitability in the conservation of severely deteriorated textile materials. The ease and control of application, the final appearance and the bonding strength were evaluated using subjective tests. These tests showed that Klucel G® (as a 4% w/v dispersion cast as a film on silk crepeline or habutai) could successfully be reactivated to form sufficiently strong bonds using IMS, either in the solvent's liquid or vapour phase.

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