Soluble nylon
Description
A modified nylon developed by DuPont and ICI about 1940. Soluble nylon is 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
- 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