[NHCOLL-L:2997] RE: Sintra PVC archival attributes

[Diane Gutenkauf]

I hope this doesn't come off as flip...have you considered getting a
conservator to do an Oddy test on it? Or checked Conservation On Line to
see if anyone's posted test results? 
 
Also, here's a handy link to the Minnesota Historical Society exhibits
and storage handbook: 
 
http://www.mnhs.org/preserve/conservation/reports/exhibits_handbook.pdf
 
Diane G.
dgutenkauf at exhibitworks.com

________________________________

From: owner-nhcoll-l at lists.yale.edu
[mailto:owner-nhcoll-l at lists.yale.edu] On Behalf Of kwellspring
Sent: Thursday, March 09, 2006 9:56 AM
To: NHCOLL-L at lists.yale.edu
Subject: [NHCOLL-L:2996] Sintra PVC archival attributes


Greetings List,

We are considering using a PVC material (produced by Alcan Composites,
marketed under the name Sintra) to line shelves in  closed display cases
for some new exhibits. The MSDS for Sintra lists its components as
polyvinyl chloride, lead compounds, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide
and 15-25% "other". It is advertised variously as "acid-free"
"archivally sound" and as having "little out gassing".  The cases will
contain primarily vert/invert/paleobotantical fossils, and some
osteological material, and some specimens may be in direct contact with
the Sintra liner.

Does anyone have experience in working with Sintra in exhibit cases? Can
you suggest ways in which I could determine whether it is an appropriate
inert material for exhibiting specimens for the next 20 years?

Many thanks,

Kate Wellspring

______________________________
Kate Wellspring
Collections Manager
Amherst College Museum of Natural History (formerly the Pratt Museum)
Amherst College
Amherst MA 01002
(413) 542-2165
www.amherst.edu/museumofnaturalhistory

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