Emily Brzezinski
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum holds a navigation board used by aviators Charles and Anne Lindbergh. The board includes a cellulose nitrate sheet exhibiting severe crazing, necessitating an adhesive treatment to prevent full disintegration. This study began with a survey on the field’s current adhesive methods for this plastic, followed by solubility testing and mock-ups on naturally aged cellulose nitrate to explore adhesive behavior for treatment methods. Selected adhesives were empirically assessed for strength, retreatability, and handling properties for butt joins and backing. Adhesives were dyed and dropped onto samples to evaluate consolidation, and photomicrographs were taken at cross sections to observe the level of penetration into the porous material. Emulsions and dispersions were most effective for backing and butt joins, and Plexigum 611 proved an effective consolidant. The Lindbergh plastic was successfully stabilized with a combination of joins and backing. However, testing results were not reproducible to the object itself, demonstrating the limitations of mock-ups. This preliminary research explores the practicalities and ethical dilemmas of an interventive treatment on a vulnerable material and considers the limits of an effective conservation treatment.