The performance of different adhesives for archaeological ceramics under mechanical stress

• The influence of temperature on performance of adhesive–ceramic joins was studied.
• Different adhesives used in the conservation of archaeological ceramics were tested.
• The response of adhesive–ceramic systems to static mechanical stress was assessed.
• Results of mechanical tests and failure mechanisms observed are discussed.
• No universal adhesive, but choice should depend on type of ceramic and conditions.

The influence of environmental conditions, in particular temperature, on the performance of adhesives joining different archaeological ceramic fabrics is assessed in laboratory conditions. Different types of model ceramic fabrics were manufactured and joined with commercially available adhesives, which are commonly employed in the conservation of archaeological ceramics, and a series of systematic tests on the various adhesive–ceramic systems was conducted. The response of joins to static mechanical stress was assessed in controlled loading tests. Results of those tests as well as failure mechanisms observed are discussed.