Sol-Gel Derived Coatings for Outdoor Bronze Conservation

A new conservation treatment for outdoor bronze sculptures based on inorganic-organic copolymers (ORMOCER^®s) was designed which meets the special requirements defined for this field of conservation. Following a systematic research strategy, a great variety of starting compounds (main components: 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane or γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane), curing conditions, hardeners and additives were considered for modifying the sol-gel materials. The characterization of the lacquers included IR, GPC and viscosity measurements as well as water and epoxy titrations. Screening was carried out by evaluation of the protective effect on bronze substrates. The material properties of the coatings were adjusted to optimize adhesion and resistance against weathering. Particular emphasis was given to curing the sol-gel polymer at ambient temperatures while retaining reversibility even after aging.