Using a PH-adjusted Semi-rigid Agarose Gel with Ion Exchange Resin for Poultice Desalination: Preliminary Experimentation and Case Studies

Many highly unstable, actively crumbling and/or spalling objects cannot withstand desalination by repeated immersion in water baths. Alternative poultice treatments can be more difficult to monitor and less effective at removing soluble salts. Historically, objects too fragile to undergo desalination have been stored in climate-controlled enclosures, which can present maintenance challenges and often prevent examination or display. This paper presents a review of recent gel-based desalination approaches and brief experiments on an innovative method to remove soluble salts from extremely fragile porous materials using a pH-adjusted agarose gel mixed with an ion exchange resin. A pilot application led to experimental modifications and the development of the treatment protocol used in this case study. Process and results are described along with suggestions for further research.