Detection and Identification of Possible Gel Residues on the Surface of Paintings after Cleaning Treatments

Important features required for gels used the cleaning of paintings are viscoelastic properties ensuring good adaptability to morphology surfaces and complete gel removal after application. Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-borax containing different liquid phases often as materials, but still little is known about their ability leave no residues. This study reports development an analytical method based on attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) identification PVA-borax residues mock-ups works art treatments. The effect additives in formulation (i.e., poly (ethylene oxide)) clearing treatments with organic solvents was assessed both respect effectiveness presence painted surfaces. results obtained show that cotton swabs application necessary ensure a Moreover, Py-GC/MS analyses single-ion-monitoring (SIM) mode more sensitive selective, allowing detection even where residue detected by ATR-FTIR.