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This article first appeared in Conservation News 74. Re: Ending the bendingThe article Ending the bending, which appeared in Conservation News 73, I believe contains an oversight with regard to the product CascamiteTM. Cascamite as marketed by Humbrol is not a casein-based adhesive, possibly soluble in petoleum as stated, but a synthetic resin i.e. urea formaldehyde (UF). The formaldehyde resin group are highly cross-linked and as such virtually insoluble all organic solvents. The two-part ready-mixed powder is activated by the addition of water which facilitates the acidifying action of the hardener component. The resin when cured is only removable by mechanical force, although very strong acids or alkalis can attack the adhesive (and the artefact).UF adhesives have many uses in cabinet making, the laminating of plywood is but one, but their use within the field of conservation is, in my opinion, very limited. In fact I cannot think of a situation where UF could not be substituted by something more reversible.
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