Surface modification of plasticized PVC by dry cleaning methods: Consequences for artworks

A study of dry cleaning methods for plasticized PVC has been undertaken using three commercial cloths recommended for plastics artworks, in addition to cotton swabs traditionally used in art conservation. The evaluation of the cleaning has focussed on the efficiency of the cleaners, and the physical and chemical damages caused by the cleaning. The physical and chemical modifications of the PVC surface have been studied by optical microscopy, non-contact profilometry and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, while spectrocolorimetry and non-contact profilometry have been used for evaluating the cleaning efficiency. The results have shown that the cleaner's composition and the cleaning time play an important role in damaging the plasticized PVC surface. On the contrary, it has not been completely determined if the texture of the cleaning agents' surface had an influence on the cleaning efficiency.