Abstract
The mass consolidation treatment of azulejos is necessary when ceramic biscuits show signs of disaggregation. Such treatment is often used as a complementary conservation technique to the reestablishment of weakened glaze-ceramic bonds.
 In this research, two commonly used consolidants (ethyl silicate and acrylic resin) were tested on artisanal ceramic tiles via mass consolidation and the resulting impregnation profiles were evaluated. The results indicated that after consolidation, hard zones frequently formed due to localized consolidant concentration after the polymerization and curing processes. These inhomogeneous hard zones subsequently influenced the results obtained through conventional mechanical strength testing (i.e. flexural and compression), creating a false impression of success. This research demonstrated that by using the Drilling Resistance Measuring System, impregnation characteristics such as penetration depth and distribution of consolidant could be observed that otherwise could not be discerned through the more common testing methods. As such, a more extensive evaluation of consolidation effects was achieved.
Highlights
The mass consolidation treatment of azulejos is necessary when ceramic biscuits show signs of disaggregation
Ceramics are very porous with well-connected voids, and the quantity of consolidant liquid absorbed was about 3–4 g per ceramic specimen (TG absorption was higher than the Paraloid B72® formulations)
The results are quite different for the Tegovakon V® (TG) versus Paraloid B72® samples and appear to be linked directly to the quantity of consolidant formed after cure and polymerization
Summary
The selection of consolidation products to be tested was based on three criteria: extensive use in practice [7]; claimed high penetration depth; and partial compatibility with the ceramic body composition. The products were applied to the ceramic specimens through immersion, the method most commonly used in practice for mass consolidation in this field. It is one of the methods recommended for laboratory testing to avoid the operator error which can occur during brush application [6]. Three ceramic samples per consolidant formulation (65x30x9 mm in size) were dried to a constant weight in a 40 oC ventilated oven and allowed to cool in a desiccator before testing. The following test conditions were used: 5mm diameter drill bits (Fisher®); 600rpm rotation speed; and 10mm/min penetration rate
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