Thymol

We have some oak barrel components from a shipwreck which were
treated by a non-conservator in 1984.  A mixture of PEG and Thymol
was used.   Thymol concentration was not recorded.  [Other names for
Thymol are 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol; 3-hydroxy-p-cymene;
6-isopropyl-m-cresol; 5-methyl-2-1(1-methylethyl)phenol; m-Thymol;
and 3-hydroxy-4-isopropyl-1-methylbenzene.]

The Thymol seems to have been used to prevent biological growth in
the PEG treatment tank.  The items display surface cracks
(insufficient PEG seems to have been used) and smell very strongly
of Thymol.  We will be looking at re-treatment but in the meantime
need safe storage.  Once we discovered these items in our collection
we stored them in a fume cupboard with the fan running constantly.
This is no longer available and we are looking at other storage
options.  We cannot find air tight containers large enough and so
are considering heat sealing the items into transparent barrier film
packages eg Escal (they need to stay visible).  Our heat sealer
produces a 5mm wide seal.  Our store is environmentally controlled.
Does anyone have any comments or suggestions on this approach?

Jenny Dickens
Senior Conservator
Heritage Victoria
4 Harper Street
Abbotsford  VIC  3067
Australia
+61 3 9419 2555
Fax: +61 3 9419 4827


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 16:31
                 Distributed: Monday, November 4, 2002
                       Message Id: cdl-16-31-009
                                  ***