Re: "Condensation" in plastic

[Nancy Love <nancyklove@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Jerry,

I totally enjoyed your querie.

I have never observed a fabric to breathe.  However, I
have seen some textiles on their last gasp.

Seriously, I wonder if the term "fabrics need to
breathe", could be cautioning against what we now call
a micro climate, as in "it is not recommended to store
textiles in plastic bags as any moisture trapped
inside may lead to the growth of mold and mildew"?

Keep asking those questions.

Nancy

  
--- Jerry Shiner <keepsafe@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> "Breathing" fabrics and "Condensing" plastics-
> opinions invited
> 
> A number of people have queried me lately about
> plastic "causing" 
> condensation (apparently this was mentioned again on
> a recent Martha 
> Stewart segment), so I am canvassing the opinions of
> professional 
> conservators about fabrics "breathing", and plastic
> "causing" condensation.
> 
> My own belief is that although some plastic
> materials can be dangerous due 
> to off-gassing, condensation is not  usually
> exacerbated by plastics. True, 
> I can envision a relatively cool section of a
> plastic bag or box promoting 
> local condensation, but I think this an unusual
> circumstance. Generally 
> once conditions that could promote mold growth
> exist, one will likely have 
> trouble with or without plastic.
> 
> This leads me to the question of whether fabrics
> "breathe". (I'd like to 
> put a stake through the heart of this rumour of the
> undead as well). It 
> seems to me there is more danger in allowing the
> constant intake and 
> evaporation of atmospheric water and gases than in
> isolating a fabric from 
> same. My understanding is that pollutants accumulate
> in the fibres as it 
> absorbs and releases moisture, and that the same
> process also induces 
> mechanical stresses in the fibres. To stretch a
> metaphor from biology, the 
> more the fabric "breathes" the faster it will age.
> 
> Of course, I am also aware that usually the usual
> cures for breathing are 
> more disruptive than accepting its drawbacks, and I
> expect and welcome this 
> response. Any and all comments would be appreciated,
> privately or on the 
> list. Thanks for your help.
> 
> js
> Jerry Shiner
> Object & Textile Conservation Services Ltd.   O/A
> Keepsafe Systems & Forever Yours Gown Bridal
> Preservation
> Visit www.gowncare.com 
> 


=====
Nancy Love
823 N. Newkirk Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 769-6057

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