Laponite RD
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Description
[Laporte Absorbents] A brand name for a synthetically prepared clay composed of sodium magnesium lithium silicate. When mixed with water, Laponite forms a clear thixotropic gel. Industrially, it is used in paints, inks, cleaning materials, shampoos and cosmetics. In some conservation treatments, Laponite has been used as a poulticing material to remove stains and dirt from ceramic and stone objects.
Other Properties
Disperses and gels in water.
Hazards and Safety
Dust may contain fine particle silica.
Additional Information
D.Ling, "Laponite Poulticing", Conservation News, 46, p.10-11,1991.
Sources Checked for Data in Record
- Ceramics and Glass Conservation Section, List of Workshop Materials, The British Museum, London
- Marie Svoboda, Conservation Survey Index, unpublished, 1997
- Gordon Hanlon, contributed information, 1998