A non-invasive investigation of cyclododecane kinetics in porous matrices by near-infrared spectroscopy and NMR in-depth profilometry

In order to evaluate the effectiveness of cyclododecane (CDD) as a temporary protective coating andconsolidating agent for fragile stone materials, this paper focuses on its physicochemical behaviour interms of its penetration into porous matrices and subsequent sublimation. In particular, a near-infraredspectroscopy (NIR) and NMR in-depth profilometry study has been carried out by monitoring the evap-oration/sublimation process of CDD solutions as a function of time. By means of this non-invasivemultitechnique approach, the behavior of CDD both on the surface and inside the first millimeters ofthe stones has been adequately described. It has also been highlighted how the progression of CDD's dis-appearance within different stones is affected by both substrate porosity and boiling point of the carriersolvent. These results demonstrate the potential of such a method of protocol for non-invasive in situmonitoring of the unconstrained sublimation process of this temporary protective agent.