Comparative study of aqueous cleaning systems for wax sculptures. Methodologi-cal applications in the ceroplastic collection (19th century) of the Complutense Veterinary Museum

Abstract

The accumulation of particles of dirt on the surface of ceroplastic sculptures is a major cause of deterioration and has negative consequences for the conservation of the collections. To eliminate these deposits of contamination, the specialised literature proposes the use of a range of physical and chemical methods. This article evaluates various aqueous systems, with and without surfactants, that are specifically adapted to this type of object, including an emulsion formulated using a gel thickened with a polyacrylic acid derivative. All of the cleaning systems tested have been chemically analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), in addition to observing the surfaces under optical magnification before and after applying the cleaning substance. The results obtained are presented based on a qualitative analysis of the effectiveness demonstrated by each of the systems tested.