[Nhcoll-l] Compatibility of Paraloid B-72 and other consolidants

[Monica Bugbee]

Hello Everyone,

I work at the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, SD. We have a large, mostly
in-situ collection of non-permineralized Pleistocene mammoth fossils. We
recently switched to using Paraloid B-72 in acetone exclusively as the
consolidant and adhesive in our bonebed. However, our site has been
excavated nearly every summer since 1974, so the majority of our collection
has been treated with other consolidants. We used Glyptal in the early
years, then switched to Butvar B-98 in ethanol and Butvar B-76 in acetone
(possibly Vinac and some unknowns as well). Now that we switched yet again I
am concerned that there might be some adverse reactions between consolidants
when repairing these previously consolidated bones. In most cases it is
impossible for us to completely remove one consolidant before applying
another (especially from cancellous surfaces) and so there will always be
some interface between consolidants. 

I have not been able to find any literature regarding the compatibility or
possible negative interactions between Paraloid and/or acetone and other
consolidants. Does anyone have any information or thoughts on this topic?
Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks for your time,

Monica Bugbee
Preparator
The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, SD, Inc.
PO Box 692
Hot Springs, SD 57747
605-745-6017
monicab at mammothsite.org
www.mammothsite.com


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