[Nhcoll-l] use of containers made from general purpose polystyrene ( GPPS ) in dry collection

[Hawks, Catharine]

Hi Kareen

The main issues with the use of polystyrene containers are that they:


1.       Tend to emit peroxides along any scratch, cut edge, or other less-than-highly polished surface – every container seem to have these and this is confirmed by testing to the  ISO 18916 method -  peroxide radicals are potent oxidizers that effectively accelerate the aging of organic materials

2.       Emit styrene monomers that can contaminate collections stored in the boxes (see chapter by Baker on Synthetic Polymers in Storage of Natural History Collections: A Preventive Conservation Approach) jeopardizing chemical/biochemical utility

3.       Have a low melting point, which means that the will damage collections before the collections themselves are affected by heat/fire

4.       Are based on an benzene ring that is similar in structure to many commonly used pesticides – even small amounts of residual vapor can damage the containers, causing them to “melt” into or on the collections stored in them (see attached images from various contributors)

There are  many stable acrylics, polyethylene terephthalates, and other materials (including some co-polymers, e.g., Estar DN011) that can be used with collections. Using cost as the main criteria for a storage material undermines any argument that the collections have value to science, or to posterity for any reason.

Hope that helps,

Cathy


From: nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu [mailto:nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu] On Behalf Of Kareen Schnabel
Sent: Monday, May 05, 2014 9:21 PM
To: nhcoll-l at mailman.yale.edu
Subject: [Nhcoll-l] use of containers made from general purpose polystyrene ( GPPS ) in dry collection

Good afternoon.
We are considering containers to be used in our dry specimen collection (marine invertebrates) and are tempted by inexpensive clear boxes made from general purpose polystyrene ( GPPS ).

Does anyone have experience with the use of this material in collections?

Suitability for long-term storage?

Is pH a concern?

Thanks for your help,
Kareen

Dr Kareen Schnabel

Marine Biologist
Invertebrate Collections Manager


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