Menthol-based eutectic mixtures: Novel potential temporary consolidants for archaeological excavation applications

Temporary consolidation technique becomes more and more popular in archaeological excavation. Cyclododecane and menthol are the mostly studied and used temporary consolidants. However, their best applying temperatures are about 20-40 °C higher than their melting points, which can be a problem for temperature-sensitive artifacts or excavation in cold environment. In this work, we take advantage of the concept of eutectic mixtures. Menthyl lactate, a menthol derivative, which can also sublime at ambient conditions, is introduced into menthol to form binary eutectic mixtures. Their potentials as temporary consolidants are carefully and systematically examined. The results indicate the eutectic mixtures are good temporary consolidants and their performances at very low temperatures are much better than the parent compounds. Through this work, a list of temporary consolidants whose melting points range from below 0 to 45 °C are built up for conservators to choose based on their needs.