FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[cascaillou]

I'd like to display some specimens inside transparent plastic boxes, and I would glue each specimen inside its box (so that the specimen won't move even if the box is shaked around or turned upside down).

My criterias for the adhesive material are as follows:

-colorless (and doesn't turn yellowish with time)
-water-free and non acidic
-easily removable with acetone
-providing a strong hold (for specimens which are 6 to 8cm in size)

What type(s) of glue would match those requirements?

[bob kerr]

Adam Wright of the crocoite Adelaide mine has been attaching delicate specimens for years to the inside of clear acrylic boxes - these boxes are not always airtight but could probably be made so. he uses one adhesive that is soluble by acetone and also hot glue which is soluble in alcohol.

maybe best to contact him:
theadelaidemine dot com

bob

[bob kerr]

i found some closeup photos of Adam's mounted specimens. he also uses hot glue which can be removed via warm alcohol but may yellow with age. He mounts these mainly for protection and it's up to the new owner to decide if he wants to remove the specimen for final display - although his displays are fine with me and not worth the risk to handle them further.

bob

[cascaillou]

I'll send an email (although I'd go with a little less glue)

[bob kerr]

[vicen]

I will recommend you Paraloid B72. Paraloid B-72 is an Acryloid (copolymer of ethyl methacrylate and methyl acrylate). The secret for it's strength is to leave it to dry for 24 hours. It has all the criteria that you are looking for

[Pete Richards]

Does anyone have experience with fugitive glue ("credit card glue") for mounting mineral specimens? From what I read, this is a special kind of hot glue. When used with credit cards, you can separate the credit card from the paper it comes on and easily roll or pull the adhesive off of either surface. I wonder how it might work, for example, for mounting thumbnail specimens in their boxes. The need is for adequate grip on the specimen without glue penetration into the matrix.

[James Catmur]

I have never tried it, but the idea is interesting. I see there are also 'glue dot' versions available.

[Roger Warin]

Hello,
I think the problem comes from the atmosphere in the box.
It is hardly conceivable to replace it with nitrogen or argon, but why not with CO2?
It would suffice to introduce a small piece of dry ice (solid CO2) in the small box and close the lid after a few moments.
As the CO2 is heavy, it will quickly push the air out of the box.
Why not?
Roger.