Corrosion Intercept

I have recently published a catalogue of Anoxic supplies and barrier
films.  One of the products listed in the catalogue is a film developed
by AT&T a few years ago, which is now called Corrosion Intercept (and
Static Intercept.)  The film is a polyethylene-based semiconductor that
has been "doped" with copper molecules.  (The Static Intercept is the
same film with better static dispersion characteristics.)

The manufacturer makes some wonderful claims about the corrosion
protection for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals.  In the case of
non-ferrous metals the copper molecules are said to permanently bind to
corrosive gases as they make their way through the polyethylene. In the
case of ferrous metals, the film is supposed to protect the iron by
interrupting the galvanic current and acting as a "sacrificial anode".

At the IIC conference in Ottawa, a few of the conservators who visited
my booth had questions about the theoretical ability of the material to
protect iron. The theory behind the corrosion protection for non-ferrous
metals seems sound. Although I believe the manufacturer to be completely
honest, and although his tests seem to have been conducted in a
reasonably complete and careful manner, I would like to know if anybody
in the community has any experience with these films.  I'm especially
interested in the films ability to absorb acids, and advantages it might
have for the storage of photographic materials or papers. Would it act
as a "Faraday Cage", and would this offer any advantages for the storage
of magnetic media?

Any ideas or experiences would be appreciated.  If anybody is interested
in testing these films, I would be happy to supply samples. Thanks, (NB
Please label the "subject" of your reply clearly, as I am prone to edit
my mail severely.)

Jerry Shiner,
Keepsafe Systems

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 8:32
                 Distributed: Tuesday, November 1, 1994
                        Message Id: cdl-8-32-004
                                  ***