[NHCOLL-L:2353] Re: Insects and glue

[Deborah A Lewis]

Gretchen and others,

We've been using the neutral-pH PVAc adhesive available from Gaylord and 
University Products -- I think Lineco may be one of the manufacturers of 
this type of adhesive. Is it as "archival" (our use is for paper-to-paper 
bonding) as we've been led to believe?

Thanks in advance,
Deb Lewis

At 08:36 AM 6/18/2004, Gretchen Anderson wrote:
>I have been reading this conversation with great interest. The chemistry 
>of adhesives, and their aging properties is a fascinating subject. As 
>Victoria noted, many adhesives cross link  overtime, becoming increasingly 
>insoluble and more difficult to remove. Many become insoluble over time. 
>Others become brittle as they age, or they discolor. "White glues" (such 
>as Elmers) are emulsions, which complicates removal as they age. In 
>addition, the over the counter commercial brands often have additives and 
>preservatives that might complicate the chemistry. When choosing an 
>adhesive, please be aware of its properties (both short-term and 
>long-term) and its compatibility with what ever you are gluing.  Get 
>advise from a conservator.
>
>Gretchen Anderson
>Conservator
>Science Museum of Minnesota
>www.smm.org

Deborah Q. Lewis, Curator
Ada Hayden Herbarium (ISC)             E-mail: dlewis at iastate.edu
Department of EEOB                        Phone: [1] 515-294-9499
Iowa State University                         FAX:  [1] 515-294-1337
Ames, IA  50011-1020