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Here's an observation from a disaster (fire)
response training program at NIST a few years ago. Assorted "museum"
objects of different media were placed in the test room and the room set on
fire. One of the more interesting results we observed was the difference
between the textiles stored in paper/cardboard boxes v.s. in plastic
boxes. In the former, the damage was primarily water damage -- very
treatable. From the latter, the plastic had melted onto the textiles --
even when the plastic containers weren't in the direct path of the flames
-- not an easily treatable damage.
N.B. The fire was allowed to burn for a
limited time before sprinklers/hoses were activated. I would expect the
above results would be different if the fire had burned longer - but then
neither container would have survived/provided protection.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2007 5:54
PM
Subject: storage bins
Hello all,
A committee here at the museum where I work has suggested that, as
needed, we replace acid-free cardboard boxes with lidded sterilite
storage containers for vault storage of our quilts. The
containers can be seen at these two web pages:
Since they are made from polypropylene, there is no issue of pH.
The Material Safety Data Sheet shows a melting point of 130-150
degrees C. It also says "Adequate ventilation must be provided to
remove fumes generated" and that pellets used for making them have "a
slightly paraffinic odor."
Has anyone used such products for textile storage? Does anyone have
any thoughts or comments about using these containers for this purpose?
One advantage is the cost: very low, and the items are available
locally. I know that static can build up on coroplast storage boxes
(also made from polypropylene) so can I assume that these containers would
also have static build up?
Thank you in advance.
Judy Schwender
Curator of Collections / Registrar
Museum of the American Quilter's Society
Paducah, KY
(270) 442-8856
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