Fire retardants and modern marouflage

In the prior messages regarding Sunbrella, the material is
characterized rather vaguely as a "synthetic".  In fact, Sunbrella
is (or was) acrylic, intended primarily for upholstering outdoor
furniture.  In order for it to perform as it does, in strong
sunlight and frequently wet conditions, I would guess that it
incorporates hefty additions of UV absorbers/blocking agents and
materials which act as fungicides or fungal repellants.  It is,
indeed, a very interesting and durable material despite the moderate
durability exhibited by other acrylic fiber textile products.

Geoffrey I. Brown
Curator of Conservation
Kelsey Museum
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor MI 48109-1390, U.S.A.
734-647-0439
Fax: 734-763-8976

                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 12:83
                  Distributed: Friday, April 30, 1999
                       Message Id: cdl-12-83-006
                                  ***