AN INTRODUCTION TO SOLUTION AND REACTION ADHESIVES FOR FOSSIL PREPARATION (original) (raw)

Fossil preparators have a range of adhesives to choose from and it is often difficult to select one most suitable for any given task. The adhesives that preparators use can be divided into two basic categories: solution adhesives, which include Paraloid B-72, Butvar B-76, Butvar B-98, and McGean B-15; and reaction adhesives, which include various brands of epoxies and cyanoacrylates. Both types of adhesives share some basic characteristics, however, solution and reaction adhesives differ fundamentally in the manner in which they set or solidify. Understanding the distinction between these two types of adhesives helps to explain differences in both their working and final properties. This information can assist the preparator in making an appropriate and successful adhesive selection when joining, consolidating or coating a specimen.