Methods to measure the penetration of consolidant solutions into ‘dry’ wood

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Abstract

Parameters that influence the penetration of a consolidant solution into wood were examined. These include the wood permeability to liquids, impregnation methods, and physicochemical properties of the consolidant solution (relative molecular weight, concentration, and viscosity). Wood permeability to liquids is determined by the preserved object and the appropriate impregnation method has to be selected with respect to the deterioration state of the specific wood object. For these reasons, modifications of physicochemical properties of the consolidant solutions are the only parameters that influence the consolidation results. Suitable methods for studying the penetration of consolidant into wood are also discussed.

Section snippets

Research aims

The aim of this study is to summarize the available knowledge about consolidation of ‘dry’ wood. This includes an overview of the factors that affect penetration of consolidant solutions, as well as methods for studying the penetration of consolidant solutions and the consolidant distribution in ‘dry’ wood.

Factors influencing penetration of consolidant solutions

The actual penetration depth of a consolidant depends on the wood permeability to liquids, the impregnation methods, and physicochemical properties of the specific consolidant solution. This is defined by Darcy's law, which describes the flow of a liquid through porous material under ideal conditions (e.g., the porous material is homogeneous, no interactions occur between the liquid and the porous material, permeability is independent of the porous material length in the flow direction) [4], [5]

Study of the penetration of consolidant solutions into wood

The penetration of liquids into a wooden object can be investigated experimentally or theoretically using models of the wood structure with defined shapes of capillary systems [4], [8], [15], [16]. Due to the fact that real impregnation processes take place under changing conditions (heterogeneous structure of wood, interactions between wood and liquid), the theoretical penetration depths calculated by combinations of different mathematical models differ from the real penetration. Thus, it is

Conclusion

Restorers often need to consolidate damaged wooden objects with polymer solutions to preserve our cultural heritage. Consolidation of damaged wood is influenced by properties of the consolidant as well as its content and distribution within wood. Thus, during the impregnation process, it is necessary for the consolidation solution to penetrate the wood to a sufficient depth. Penetration of the consolidant solutions depends upon their physicochemical properties, the impregnation methods, and the

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