Solander boxes

We were hoping to purchase a number of  solander boxes to house a
collection of  matted, unframed works of art on paper. So far all
the companies we have approached in Australia, manufacture their
boxes from wood (Queensland Hoop Pine is particularly popular). I
can't understand how wood can be described as 'archival' (what does
that term really mean anyway ?).Surely, even with a buffering layer,
wood will give off organic gases, particularly in an enclosed
environment such as the solander box design. If anyone knows of a
solander box manufacturer in Australia not using wood (i.e a
suitable board instead), could I please have the details. I would
also be interested in hearing from anyone who has carried out any
research on solander box materials and their effects on paper based
material.

Lydia Egunnike
Senior Conservator
Preservation Services
State Library of Queensland
PO Box 3488 South Brisbane
QLD Australia 4101
+61 7 3840 7779
Fax: +61 7 3840 7943

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 12:29
                Distributed: Tuesday, September 22, 1998
                       Message Id: cdl-12-29-017
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