Ethyl Lactate: A New Prospective Eco-friendly Cleaner for Silver Gelatin Prints

Abstract

This study is the first involving the use of ethyl lactate as a green solvent on vulnerable photographs in an endeavor to protect the environment by using eco-friendly economic materials and methods in photograph conservation field. The paper is an experimental study aims at evaluating the efficiency of Ethyl lactate (E.L.) as an eco-friendly solvent in the removal of adhesive stains found on developed-out (DOP) silver gelatin prints. For achieving the paper objectives, three silver gelatin prints were stained with an adhesive and treated with three concentrations of E.L. The study assessment was implemented by digital microscope, atomic force microscope, and spectrophotometer to observe the changes which may occur on the surface post treatments; in addition to the use of attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy to investigate the gelatin binder layer after treatment. Moreover, the mechanical properties and the pH value were measured. The three concentrations of ethyl lactate were efficient in cleaning the surface without causing any damage to the structure of photographs. The paper proved the success of ethyl lactate treatments as an eco-friendly solvent in cleaning adhesive stains from developing-out silver gelatin prints.

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