Acid activity of wood

In response to Jerry Shiners question regarding acid volatility of
various woods, I would recommend reviewing the articles listed here.
Judy Greenfield in particular has outlined specifically which are
the better woods (poplar and basswood), and which are the most
troublesome (oak, fir, yellow pine, etc.); all discuss the use of
sealants for wood or wood products, and other methods of reducing
emissions, which may be of further interest. Tests have also been
outlined to assist you in determining the appropriateness of the
materials for use in proximity to valued collections.

    Greenfield, Judy. "Building a Better Case." Rocky Mountain
    Conservation Center, 1992. (Contact them at 303-733-2712 for
    copy).

    Hatchfield, Pamela. "Wood and Wood Products." In Storage of
    Natural History Collections: A Preventive Conservation Approach,
    Vol. I, eds. Carolyn L. Rose, Catharine A. Hawks, and Hugh H.
    Genoways, 283-289. Iowa City, Iowa: Society for the Preservation
    of Natural History Collections, 1995.

    von Endt, David W., W. David Erhardt, and Walter R. Hopwood.
    "Evaluating Materials Used for Constructing Storage Cases." In
    Storage of Natural History Collections: A Preventive
    Conservation Approach, Vol. I, eds. Carolyn L. Rose, Catharine
    A. Hawks, and Hugh H. Genoways, 269-282. Iowa City, Iowa:
    Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections,
    1995.

Karen E.K. Brown
Field Service Representative
Northeast Document Conservation Center
100 Brickstone Square
Andover, MA  01810-1494
978-470-1010
Fax 978-475-6021

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 12:86
                   Distributed: Monday, May 10, 1999
                       Message Id: cdl-12-86-006
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