Gatorblanks

Anne Lane of the Museum of York County inquired about using
Gatorblank boards for both short and long term use for object
support. Gatorfoam (the complete laminated product) was analyzed by
CCI-ARS in 1987 (ARS # 2572, R.S. Williams).  Composition only was
determined.  The foam board material is expanded polystyrene.
Generally polystyrene foam does not off-gas anything harmful, but it
would be best to perform an Oddy test before using the Gatorblanks
for supporting objects and getting current composition information
from the manufacturer. Have you looked into the price difference
between the Gatorblanks and Coroplast sheets (polypropylene)?  The
latter is inert and has been tested for conservation application (as
long as it is the archival version of Coroplast and does not contain
any external plasticizers; there are some brands of corrugated
plastic sheeting which is not acceptable for museum applications).

For future reference, when you are considering ordering materials
for collections use, ask the manufacturer and/or distributor for the
current MSDS and technical data information.  You will have the
information on file, which you need anyway, and it will help you or
your conservation consultant to evaluate the product.

Feel free to contact me off-list with further questions.  Hope this
helps.

Paul S. Storch
Objects Conservator
Daniels Objects Conservation Laboratory (DOCL)
B-109.1, Minnesota History Center
345 Kellogg Blvd West
St. Paul, MN  55102-1906
651-297-5774
Fax: 651-297-2967

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 12:87
                  Distributed: Thursday, May 13, 1999
                       Message Id: cdl-12-87-001
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