Polymers in Preservation and Restoration: Two Examples

Two 'families' of polymers applicable to preservation and restoration are discussed: (i) polysiloxane networks generated by platinum catalyzed addition of vinyl silane precursors to hydrogenosilane precursors; and (ii) acrylic compositions generated by redox initiated polymerization of acrylic monomers in the presence of fine spherical acrylic polymer particles. In both cases the end result is achieved at temperatures between ambient and 60 degrees C, and with negligible volumetric shrinkage.