CASE STUDIES SELECTION & REPLICAS PREPARATION                  

Objectives:
This WP involves the selection and technical examination of plastic-based work of art/objects (belonging to associated Portuguese partners) as case study candidates. 
The plastic materials under examination are polyurethane, other foam/rubber-based materials, poly(methyl methacrylate), and others.
Based on information obtained from the technical examination of the case study candidates, a series of replicas (i.e. mock-up samples) is prepared and used to trial CO2-based conservation technology.
The mock-ups are made using contemporary material equivalents, and artificially soiled and aged to mimic some of the types of dirt and degradation processes that a work of art might have endured in its lifetime.
Sacrificial historical objects will also be used to further test the suitability and efficacy of the most promising CO2-based treatment conditions for plastic conservation. Historical materials include objects either bought at flea markets, antique shops or donated by the artist Lourdes Castro or by partner institutions such as NEÂds (Núcleo de Estudos Ângelo de Sousa) and Museu Benfica - Cosme Damião.

Tasks:
Task 1.1 - Selection and technical examination of historical works of art to be used as case study candidates.

Task 1.2 - Preparation of replicas (i.e. mock-up samples) using contemporary material equivalents.

Task 1.3 - Artificial ageing, and soiling, of the mock-up samples.

Task 1.4 - Acquisition of sacrificial historical objects at flea markets and antique shops, or donated by partner institutions.

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WP 2.