Observations on cyclododecane as a temporary consolidant for stone

Cyclododecane (C12H24) is a solid cyclic hydrocarbon that sublimes at room temperature. Cyclododecane has been used increasingly as a temporary consol idant for a variety of weak or friable materials. This study focuses on the physical behaviour and working properties of cyclododecane when applied as a solid and in solution to both porous and nonporous substrates. Melted cy clododecane and saturated solutions of the consolidant in hexanes, xylenes, and Shellsol OMS were applied to three different substrates: glass slides, Monks Park limestone, and Ohio Massillian sandstone. Solution mobility, ap plication techniques, and penetration were assessed. Sublimation was monito red in three ways: visually, as a function of weight loss over time, and vi a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. This research evaluates the extent of sublimation of cyclododecane from both porous and nonporous substrates a nd notes the absence of detectable residues. Both substrate porosity and de livery method were found to affect consolidant penetration and rate of subl imation. The practical tests, analyses, and case study indicate the appropr iateness and usefulness of cyclododecane for temporary applications on ston e substrates.