Soluble nylon

Description

A modified nylon developed by DuPont and ICI about 1940. Soluble nylon is Nylon resin nylon that has been treated with Formaldehyde to produce an unstable alkoxy substituted material. One commercial product, Calaton (n-methoxymethyl nylon), is prepared from Nylon 6,6. The freshly prepared alkoxy substituted nylon is soluble in alcohols. However, when it is painted as a film, soluble nylon can hydrolyze, especially in the presence of acids, to produce a stiff, insoluble film. Soluble nylon was used in the mid-20th century as an adhesive, coating, and sizing agent to add strength to wet paper and consolidate friable pigments. It is not recommended for any type of current conservation use.

Synonyms and Related Terms

nailon soluble (Esp.);

Examples: Calaton [ICI, Britain]; Maranyl [ICI]; Ultramid [BASF]; Elvamide [DuPont]

Other Properties

Initially soluble in methanol and ethanol.

Hazards and Safety

Hazardous to all artifacts. Becomes insoluble with age. Attracts dirt and shrinks with time.

DuPont: Elvamide MSDS

Additional Information

° C.Sease "The Case Against Using Soluble Nylon in Conservation Work" Studies in Conservation, 26:102-110, 1981.

° E.De Witte "Soluble Nylon as Consolidation Agent for Stone" Studies in Conservation, 20:30-34, 1975.

Comparisons

Physical Properties for Selected Thermoset Resins

General Characteristics of Polymers

Authority (list of all sources checked for information on this subject)

• Hermann Kuhn, Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art and Antiquities, Butterworths, London, 1986

• Pam Hatchfield, Pollutants in the Museum Environment, Archetype Press, London, 2002

• Ceramics and Glass Conservation Section, List of Workshop Materials, The British Museum, London

• Meredith Montague, contributed information, 1998

• Website address 1 Comment: Elvamide - www.dupont.com/enggpolymers/products/elvamide,html states soluble in alcohol

• Website address 2 Comment: Zytel [DuPont] www.dupont.com/enggpolymers/products/zytel,html