Investigation of Whitening Mechanism on Cultural Relic Surfaces Treated with Paraloid B72

In the conservation of cultural relics, the application of Paraloid B72 in humid environments frequently results in the surface whitening of artifacts, which impairs their appearance and conceals important details. This study investigates the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon by examining the effect of ambient humidity, Paraloid B72 mass concentration, solution addition volume, and solvent type. To evaluate the microstructure, transmittance, and composition of the films, a range of analytical techniques were employed, including optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, a UV-Visible Spectrophotometer, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The findings indicate that higher ambient humidity, lower Paraloid B72 mass concentration, smaller solution addition volume, and solvents with higher volatility and water miscibility increase water content during curing, intensifying the whitening effect. These factors modify the interaction between water and solvent, altering the surface structure of Paraloid B72. The whitening mechanism is linked to the cooling effect of solvent volatility, which lowers the dew point temperature at the air–solution interface, causing moisture condensation. Moisture forms droplets that leave irregular pores upon volatility, resulting in surface roughness, optical heterogeneity, and a reduced refractive index, resulting in whitening. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding and preventing the whitening of Paraloid B72.