3 replies to this topic

[Hugh]

Basic question !! Should you store pens showing signs of degradation separately from unaffected pens ?

 

Regards

Hugh

[FarmBoy]

Yes.

[piscov]

I believe so.  I have heard the "sweat" that comes out of the celluloid degrading can trigger and accelerate degradation on good condition pens.

 

The best article a can find is already from this great forum. Here it is.

 

From the article mention on linked post:

 

"4.4 STORAGE, EXHIBIT ENVIRONMENT

The instability of celluloid is both inherent and environmental. If the environment of a celluloid object, in storage or on exhibit, is adequately controlled, deterioration may be slowed but never entirely halted. The chemical and physical characteristics of celluloid deterioration indicate that an ideal environment for celluloid objects would include:

1. low relative humidity to slow degradation due to denitration and hydrolysis, slow acid formation, and reduce dimensional changes
2. low temperature to slow the rate of deterioration, crystallization, and denitration
3. continual air exchange to help carry away gaseous autocatalytic deterioration products
4. no other cellulosic materials in proximity. Tissues, boxes, etc., will deteriorate rapidly, in proximity to celluloid, add to the risk of a fire, and complicate ongoing degradation
5. acid-resistant cases and cabinets to protect against rusting
6. devices that exclude or at least filter ultraviolet and other radiation such as Plexiglas UF 3
7. nonmetallic object containers (boxes, trays) made of glass, ceramic, or acid-resistant plastic. Metallic containers corrode and may lead to gelation of the celluloid.
8. protection from contact with the metallic oxides and salts of lead, calcium, arsenic, tin, iron, copper, and zinc. For example, if deteriorated celluloid becomes dissolved in moisture absorbed from the atmosphere or in liquid deterioration products, the metallic oxides of calcium in calcium-buffered materials can irreversibly gel the softened or dissolved celluloid.
9. an acid-absorbing material in the storage or exhibit space to react with the acids formed during deterioration (CaCO3 is one possibility if it is not in contact with the celluloid)
10. separate storage to prevent damage to other materials by the degradation products of the celluloid"

Source is : JAIC 1991, Volume 30, Number 2, Article 3 (pp. 145 to 162) - author JULIE A. REIL

 

Hope it helps.

V

Edited by piscov, 24 November 2014 - 10:17 AM.

[Hugh]

Thank you !!