Description
Supplied as a fine white powder, Laponite is a synthetic clay which swells to produce a clear, colorless thixotropic gel when dispersed in water. It is used in the conservation of stone, metals, organic materials, ceramics and paintings. The UKICs Conservation News (Issue 46, November 1991) describes in some detail the use of Laponite to remove old water soluble adhesives (such as glue paste) and to soften ingrained dirt to facilitate its removal from stone and ceramics. It has a pH of 9.8 at 2% suspension, gel forms at 2% concentration, a colloidal dispersion.
