Part of the question started because of our Oddy Test findings here at
the Southwest Museum, Autry National Center. Some of our metal objects
are in close contact with thin polyethylene foam sheets (source
unknown). Therefore we started to test some of these polyethylene
foams (Ethafoam, Cellu-Cushion and ones from unknown sources). During
our several Oddy tests we found that when in contact with metal
coupons the foam (especially the thin sheets, not the thick plank
ones) leave zebra imprints and cause corrosion. Some people I talked
to were concerned about the permeability agent used in thin
polyethylene sheets and Scott Williams of CCI did some research about
this. We concluded that it was OK to use thin polyethylene sheets on
organic objects and on glass and ceramics, but when in direct contact
with metals (polished or not) we use a layer that doesn't affect
metals.
Özge Gençay Üstün
Assistant Conservator
Southwest Museum of the American Indian
Autry National Center of the American West
234 Museum Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90065
Phone: (323) 221-2164 x250
Fax: (323) 224-8223
[log in to unmask]
2012/2/24 Ann Frisina <[log in to unmask]>:
> If you are speaking of a yellowing which occurs within closed
> cell polyethylene foam planks then Scott Williams of CCI spoke about this
> issue back in 1998. Below is a link to his detailed explanation.
>
> http://cool.conservation-us.org/byauth/williams/foam.html
>
> Best
> Ann Frisina
> [log in to unmask]
>
>
>
> On Fri, Feb 24, 2012 at 9:23 AM, Evans, Sunae Park <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>>
>> There were discussions about the quality of Ethafoam at the end of the
>> last May. Our museum uses Dorfman Conservation Forms made of Ethafoam and
>> also heavily uses Ethafoam for various purposes, so I am seriously concerned
>> about the quality of the foam. I contacted Rob Dorfman of Dorfman Museum
>> Figures, Inc., and John Dunphy from University Products about this issue.
>> They immediately talked to Troy Kimball from Sealed Air. I talked to him
>> about my concerns, too.
>>
>>
>>
>> I received an e-mail from Penny Clifton from Dorfman Museum Figures
>> yesterday and would like to share information with you.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Sunae Park Evans, Senior Costume Conservator
>>
>> Smithsonian Institution
>>
>> National Museum of American History
>>
>> Preservation Services, MRC 642
>>
>> P.O.Box 37012
>>
>> Washington, DC 20013-7012
>>
>> 202)633-3629 or 3630
>>
>> 202)786-2154 (fax)
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
>> From: Penny Clifton <[log in to unmask]>
>> To: "Evans, Sunae Park" <[log in to unmask]>
>> Cc:
>> Date: Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:57:46 -0500
>> Subject: Ethafoam Oddy test
>>
>> 2/23/12
>>
>> Dr. Sunae Park Evans
>>
>> Senior Costume Conservator
>>
>> National Museum of American History
>>
>> Kenneth E. Behring Center
>>
>> PO Box 37012 MSC642
>>
>> Washington, DC 20013-7012
>>
>>
>>
>> Hello Sunae:
>>
>> I hope this letter finds you well. We have been diligently working with
>> Sealed Air Corporation in the past few months to clear up any
>> misunderstanding surrounding Ethafoam® and its credibility as an inert,
>> conservation-quality foam, particularly as shown by the Oddy test. To that
>> end, we would like to share with you the technical information that was
>> provided to us by Sealed Air Corporation.
>>
>> Please click
>> on http://www.sealedairspecialtymaterials.com/na/en/pdf/oddytest.pdf to see
>> the results.
>>
>> We would appreciate your sharing it with any interested parties. Please
>> contact me or Robert Dorfman if you have other concerns or questions.
>>
>> Warmest Regards,
>>
>> Penny
>>
>>
>>
>> Penny Clifton, Project Manager
>>
>> Dorfman Museum Figures, Inc.
>>
>> 6224 Holabird Ave.
>>
>> Baltimore, MD 21224
>>
>> 800-634-4873
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Ann Frisina
> Textile Conservator
> Minnesota Historical Society
> 345 Kellogg Blvd. W.
> St. Paul, MN 55413
> 651 259-3385
>
> http://www.mnhs.org/preserve/conservation/index.html
>
>
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