A non-invasive investigation of cyclododecane kinetics in porous matrices by near-infrared spectroscopy and NMR in-depth profilometry

In order to evaluate the effectiveness of cyclododecane (CDD) as a temporary protective coating and consolidating agent for fragile stone materials, this paper focuses on its physicochemical behaviour in terms of its penetration into porous matrices and subsequent sublimation. In particular, a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and NMR in-depth profilometry study has been carried out by monitoring the evaporation/sublimation process of CDD solutions as a function of time. By means of this non-invasive multitechnique approach, the behavior of CDD both on the surface and inside the first millimeters of the stones has been adequately described. It has also been highlighted how the progression of CDD's disappearance within different stones is affected by both substrate porosity and boiling point of the carrier solvent. These results demonstrate the potential of such a method of protocol for non-invasive in situ monitoring of the unconstrained sublimation process of this temporary protective agent.