[Nhcoll-l] Very slow small leak of formalin from acrylic container

[Simon Moore]

Yes there is a method that I use. As you suggest, turn the container so that the leaky bit is upright with the air space / bubble under it then drain out the fluid from the seam using the edge of a filter paper and when no more fluid comes out, leave it for an hour or so.  Apply very thin adhesive on a brush tip so that it flows into the seam and repeat this until no more adhesive is taken into the seam. Leave overnight and that should have cured the leak.  I use Acrifix 104 as an acrylic sealant / adhesive but I’m unsure where it can be purchased these days!

With all good wishes, Simon

Simon Moore MIScT, RSci, FLS, ACR
Conservator of Natural Sciences and Cutlery Historian.

www.natural-history-conservation.com



> On 6 Dec 2023, at 03:03, Dr Jonathan Kemp <j at jk-conservation.com> wrote:
> 
> Dear All
> 
> We have a loaned specimen in a smallish bespoke made rectangular acrylic container full of formalin. The box has a very slow and tiny leak from one end joint (before my time so I'm not sure how its been made).
> 
> In the past acrylic resin (Acryloid B72) has been used to fix it but this never quite works - is there a better way to fix the leak while retaining all the contents (ie. not decanting the formalin & specimen)?
> 
> btw. there is a small air gap (the formalin fills about 95% of the box) so it would be possible to turn the box so it dried out from the end joint before using anything....
> 
> best wishes and thanks in advance
> 
> Jonathan
> 
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