JAIC 1986, Volume 25, Number 2, Article 4 (pp.

93 to 96) Página 1 de 5

JAIC 1986, Volume 25, Number 2, Article 4 (pp. 93 to 96)

NOTE ON A FILL MATERIAL FOR WATER SENSITIVE

OBJECTS
PAMELA HATCHFIELD

ABSTRACT—The use of glass microspheres in Acryloid B-72 is discussed as a gap filler for
water sensitive materials. The reconstruction of a polychromed wood Egyptian shawabti using
these materials is described.

1 INTRODUCTION

Conservators have become familiar with glass microballoons primarily as used in air abrasive or
peening techniques. They have been used in conjunction with other fill materials, primarily to
reduce thermal expansion of setting resins.1

Described as hollow, unicellular soda lime borosilicate glass microspheres,2 this product was
developed for industrial use in syntactic (homogeneous, closed-cell) foams, injection molding
and autobody repair. The dry microspheres are lightweight, resembling a fine white powder, and
the 3M products range in density from 0.15 to 0.40 grams/cm3. They pour like a liquid, and are
non-toxic.3

As the glass will not react with most resins,4 it may have a wide range of application in
conjunction with materials commonly used by conservators. The spherical shape of the particles
allows for a low percentage of resin in the formulation of fill material, and ensures relatively low
shrinkage. The bubbles are easily mixed into resins. (They may rise to the top of a mixture
during storage, but are readily redistributed by stirring.) The products formulated for general use
guarantee that 95% of the particles will be 80 mesh (177 microns) or smaller. Microballoons are
available in a range of densities and respective compressive strengths.

2 TREATMENT

FIGURES 1–4SHOW THE USE of 3M's lightest grade C15/250 microspheres as a fill material
for the reconstruction of a New Kingdom Egyptian polychromed wood shawabti, a burial figure,
which had been severely damaged by termites. (Fig. 1). Wood and painted surfaces were
fragmentary but generally in good condition. Where the wood substrate had been almost
completely eaten away, local consolidation of the painted surface was done with Acryloid B-72
3% in toluene. Joins were adhered with polyvinyl acetate resin AYAF 20% in acetone, or with
B-72 50% in acetone. Some joins required a facing support of Tengujo tissue.5

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Fig. 1. Polychromed wood shawabti before treatment.

Fig. 2. The partially assembled shawabti is being filled with B-72 and microspheres after
lining of voids with Tengujo.

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Fig. 3. After filling losses and shaping missing parts.

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Fig. 4. After inpainting.

Large voids and unsupported surface pieces required a strong, lightweight fill material which
would not affect water-sensitive gesso or painted surfaces, and not be absorbed into porous
materials, possibly resulting in ghosting. Due to the fragile nature of the damaged wood and its
limited capability to support surviving surface fragments, an easily reversible fill material was
required to allow positioning and repositioning of fragments as required during reconstruction.
More traditional wood fillers such as plaster or water-based cellulosicor vinylic fillers seemed
inappropriate in light of the above requirements.

Voids in the figure were lined with Tengujo tissue and B-72 15% in acetone. Equal volumes of
the same resin or 15% in acetone/ethanol 1:1 and 3M C15/250 microspheres were mixed to form
a thick but pourable fill material which was built up in layers. (Fig. 2). Fills were found to be
easily built up, strong, lightweight, and easily shaped by sanding, carving, or application of
appropriate solvents. (Figs. 3, 4). Fills may be inpainted with water-based acrylics such as

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Liquitex, or with watercolors.

3 CONCLUSION

BECAUSE A LOW resin-to-microsphere volume concentration is sufficient to form a cohesive

fill, this material was found to be easily reversible with a minimal amount of an appropriate
solvent. Ghosting problems associated with plaster or other fillers commonly used on porous
materials are avoided, as are potential problems for water sensitive gesso, wood and painted
surfaces. This fill material also produced promising results for the filling of marbles and faience.

NOTES

1. Barkov, Z. and F. Lambert, “Mechanical Properties of Some Fill Materials for Ceramic
Conservation,” ICOM Preprints, Copenhagen, 1984, p. 84.20.1. Also noted are the following: A
reference to silica beads in Fidler, J., “U. S. Advances in Preservation Technology II,” Building
Conservation, 1, No. 2., pp. 27–29, 1979, and a fill material for pottery including epoxy, fired
clay and glass microballoons, in Higuchi, S. and S. Imazu, “New Material for the Restoration of
Excavated Pottery,” Science for Conservation, No. 23, pp. 19–32, March 1984. (in Japanese).

2. Anon., 3M “Glass Bubbles Specifications” for C15/250, 70-0701-0995-7-(551)R2, p. 1.

Available from:

Structural Products Department/3M

220-7E 3M Center

St. Paul, Minnesota 55144

3. The American Council of Governmental Industrial Hygienists classifies this product as a

“nuisance dust”. 3M Product Information, “Glass Bubbles Storage and Handling,” 70-0701-
0999-9(551)R2, p. 2.

4. Barber, Dr. E.C., “Reduce Part Weight and Cost with Hollow Microspheres for Plastics,”
reprinted from Plastics Design and Processing, July, 1978, p.2.

5. Tengujo Japanese tissue is available from TALAS, 213 W. 35 St., NY, NY 10001. Rohm and
Haas resins B-72 and PVA-AYAF are available through Conservation Materials, 240 Freeport
Blvd., Box 2884, Sparks, NV 89431.

Section Index

Copyright © 1986 American Institute of Historic and Artistic Works

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