The project began after Dr. Dirk Kasper, R&D manager, Henkel, and a specialist in hotmelt adhesives, read a newspaper article about how using incorrect adhesives had damaged the 3,000-year plus mask of Tut Ankh Amun and called the restoration team to offer support.
The beard was glued on using an epoxy
Kasper’s colleague, Dr. Rainer Schönfeld, corporate director, Global R&D, Adhesive Technologies, Henkel was then invited to examine the mask with his team:
"The beard had been incorrectly glued to the mask using an epoxy,” said Schönfeld.
“We have a great deal of expertise about epoxy technologies and we know how to remove this kind of adhesive."
Schönfeld’s team conducted a detailed analysis and developed a method to remove the epoxy glue from the mask without leaving any residue.
"At the same time, we checked Henkel's technology portfolio to see what kind of glue would work best for the restoration," added Kasper.
The requirements were high: The adhesive had to be removed without leaving any residue, and had to be able to withstand high temperatures in Egypt as well as vibration during transport.
"We were happy to be a part of this amazing project," said Ahmed Fahmy, vice president, North Africa and president, Henkel Egypt.
Egyptian market - Henkel
"Egypt is an important market for Henkel with a long tradition. We are proud that we were able to contribute with our expertise to restoring such an outstanding piece of history."
"It is our daily business to design high-tech glue - but this project was extremely exciting for the whole team. We are all extremely proud that a high-tech hotmelt adhesive from Henkel is now holding together the world-famous mask of Tut Ankh Amun."
The custom-designed adhesive was created using numerous physical measures, 3D-models and application tests.
The beard of the golden mask of Tut Ankh Amun fell off during a cleaning procedure and was glued back on improperly.
The restored mask of the young pharaoh was presented to the world public during a ceremony at the Egyptian museum in Cairo this month.
"The competent advice and support from the experts at Henkel Adhesives research department significantly contributed to our cause,” added Christian Eckmann, restoration expert, RGZM.
“We were able to remove the improperly glued beard from the mask and fix it with a customized glue by Henkel."
Eckmann also thanked the Gerda Henkel Stiftung which funded the project.