A new approach in the use of oxygen scavenger for insect eradication in museums

Author : Alain Colombini

Poster presented at for the 6^th International Conference on "Non-Destructive Testing and Microanalysis for the Diagnostics and Conservation of the Cultural Heritage", Rome in 1999.

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Abstract :

The poster focuses on results of tests carried out on a painting at different humidified levels with various types of oxygen scavengers, used for insect pest treatment of museum objects.

Comparisons are made between traditional oxygen absorber type Mitsubishi Ageless Z or Atco L.H. and Mitsubishi R.P.-A. agent. R.P.-A. agent is promising since oxygen, some corrosive gases and moisture can be absorbed simultaneously.

The moisture released by the traditional oxygen scavengers, Ageless Z and Atco L.H., remains acceptable and could be improved by fine tuning the encasing technique except in the case of wood panel.

The cost effectiveness of the use of the R.P.-A. agent must be taken into account. They are more suitable for small size paintings. The prospect of shifting the relative humidity level back to the initial level of the insect pests treatment is promising. Tests carried out at a low R.H. environment confirm the R.P.-A. ability of maintaining a steady R.H. all the way through the treatment. The R.P.-A. agent should have a future in static anoxia treatment as it allows relative humidity increase to be maintained at a low level.

Page mise à jour le 3 octobre 2007.

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