JAIC 1988, Volume 27, Number 1, Article 3 (pp. 38 to 39)
JAIC online
Journal of the American Institute for Conservation
JAIC 1988, Volume 27, Number 1, Article 3 (pp. 38 to 39)

A NOTE ON THE TREATMENT OF TWO GELATIN SILVER PHOTOGRAPHS BY HAROLD EDGERTON FROM THE PORTFOLIO “SEEING THE UNSEEN”

Meredith Mickelson



2 TECHNICAL INFORMATION ON FILMOPLAST-P TAPE

Filmoplast-P is a thin, flexible, pressure-sensitive tape that has been sold throughout the world for twenty years as a product of archival quality.

Hans Neschen describes the product as follows2.

ADHESIVE:

polyacrylate in a water dispersion neutral (pH balance 8.0) will not yellow can be removed with water

PAPER CARRIER:

bleached wood-free thin paper buffered with CaC03 manufactured expressly for this product silicone-treated

Pressure-sensitive adhesives are typically composed of a rubbery type elastomer, in this instance a polyacrylate, but may be combined with a liquid or solid resin tackifier component. A mixture of resins are sometimes used to provide a balance of properties that cannot be obtained with either resin alone. Many times fillers are added to change the rheological properties of the adhesive or to add color. Antioxidants are used to stabilize the adhesive against oxidation, heat, and light degradation.

Further analysis of the adhesive using infrared spechtrophotometry confirmed that the elastomer portion is a polyacrylate3. A strong indication of a plasticizer/tackifier portion was noted but this constituent and others could not be identified.


Copyright � 1988 American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works