Analytical studies of the degradation of cellulose nitrate plastics in museums

Stewart, R; Littlejohn, D; Pethrick, R P; Quye, Anita; Tennent, N H

Analytical studies of the degradation of cellulose nitrate plastics in museums

Resource type

Journal article

Creator (person)

Stewart, R

Littlejohn, D

Pethrick, R P

Quye, Anita

Tennent, N H

Abstract

This paper discusses a project which is examining the degradation of cellulose nitrate artefacts. Several analytical techniques including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and ion chromatography have been used to investigate the degradation processes occurring and the various factors influencing the rate of degradation. Accelerated ageing of cellulose nitrate has indicated that residual sulphate in the plastics is a cause of increased degradation. The influence of inorganic fillers, iron and humidity has also been studied.

Journal title

American Chemical Society Polymer preprints

Volume

37

Issue

2

Publisher

American Chemical Society

ISSN

0032-3934

Official URL

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/c160009a004

Additional information

Cellulose acetate; Museum artefacts; Degradation; Conservation