An archaeological pot broken into many pieces had been repaired, but the repair is failing causing the pot to slump.
What’s happened?
The adhesive joins have failed due to the high temperature where the pot was displayed.
In this instance the room temperature has exceeded the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the adhesive. Tg refers to the temperature at which a substance changes from a "glassy" state (hard and brittle) to "rubbery" (elastic and flexible).
The adhesive has become soft and pliable and the joins have pulled apart due to the force of gravity.
Can the damage be repaired?
Yes. The failed adhesive canbe removed with solvent and the break edges cleaned. The pot can then be re-adhered.
What could have been done instead?
The pot could have been displayed out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. An adhesive with a higher Tg could have been used.
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