Calaton CB
Description
[ICI, England] Trademark for a modified, Soluble nylon developed about 1940. Calaton, n-methoxymethyl nylon, is prepared from Nylon 6,6. Soluble nylon is nylon that has been treated with Formaldehyde to produce an unstable alkoxy substituted material. 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
soluble nylon; Callaton; Maranyl Nylon D.V.
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.
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.
Authority
- Theodore J. Reinhart, Engineered Materials Handbook, Vol. 2: Engineered Plastics, ASM International, 1988
- Meredith Montague, contributed information, 1998