Tyvek

Tyvek can be used in much the same way as plastic sheeting during water
leaks, but it has at least two disadvantages: it is not as easy to work
with as plastic because of its thickness and stiffness and it is not
clear.  As per the literature, Tyvek "allows potentially damaging water
vapor to slowly escape.  Along with its air and water penetration
resistance, Tyvek creates the ideal environment for documents and/or
books."  (Sounds like Gore-Tex, right?)  With regard to damaging odors,
etc. the same literature says "Tyvek is mildew-resistant, inert to most
acids, bases and salts, is non-abrasive, static-free and so strong it
will not tear.  Tyvek, created by Dupont, is chemically inert spun
bonded olefin...formed by a continuous process from very fine .5-10
micrometer fibers.  These non directional fibers are bonded together
without binders or fillers."  Unless you buy Tyvek direct from Dupont, a
product they call Critics Choice, a product which museums have known
about and which they use to wrap items being sent elsewhere for exhibit,
the Tyvek everyone has been selling, including conservation vendors, has
additives of some sort in it.  This includes the housewrap variety, used
in new building construction, which has UV inhibitors in it and which
certainly should not be used in conservation.  I don't know what these
additives are and whether they are harmful to library or archival
materials in the long run.  Curtis 1000 is a Tyvek vendor/distributor
which exhibited at AIC in Buffalo.  They will be marketing exclusively
in the future Critics Choice under their own brand name.  Availability
is months down the road, I think.  Curtis 1000 is willing to entertain
ideas for products which Tyvek can be fabricated into for conservation
use, such as envelopes and other enclosures.  More on this as it occurs.

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 6:33
                Distributed: Thursday, December 17, 1992
                        Message Id: cdl-6-33-003
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