Sofia Martinez
Preserving plastic objects is a challenging task that requires careful consideration and specific techniques. Plastic artefacts are vulnerable to various factors, including sunlight, air exposure, and improper handling and storage. The conservation of plastic objects aims to protect items of historical and personal value, including artworks and cultural icons within museum collections. The identification of plastic type is crucial, as different plastics have unique care needs and are susceptible to varying rates of degradation. While complete deterioration prevention is challenging, proper preservation methods can slow down the process and maintain the longevity of plastic items.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Identification | Trade name, trademark, patent number, recycling code, spectroscopic technology, elemental analysis, thermal analysis |
| Storage temperature | 18 °C (64 °F) or 20°C |
| Relative humidity | 50% |
| Light exposure | UV and visible light exposure should be avoided |
| Storage enclosure | Light-proof, dust-free, inert materials, separate from other plastic objects, well-ventilated |
| Cleaning | Dry conditions, mild soap and water (not recommended by all sources), gloves |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic identification
Plastics can be identified through various methods, including trade names, trademarks, patent numbers, and recycling codes. Different manufacturers may use distinct chemical formulas and materials, making it challenging to identify all plastic composites or proprietary blends. However, the presence of recycling codes or symbols provides valuable information about the material composition.
Spectroscopic technologies, such as optical spectrometers, Raman mid-infrared spectroscopy, near-infrared spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry, can be employed to identify plastics without identifiable markings. Additionally, elemental analysis and thermal analysis can decipher the composition of plastics. The Museum of Design in Plastics (MoDiP) offers a comprehensive guide that includes manufacturing dates, processes, and typical characteristics like feel and smell.
The appearance and texture of plastics also aid in identification. Polyethylene has a smooth and flexible texture but can leave marks. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is thin and produces a crackling sound when handled. In contrast, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is tougher and often has a translucent, milky white coating. Polypropylene stands out for its bendable yet durable nature, making it resistant to fatigue and ideal for product containers.
Burning plastics is another identification method, but it is not recommended due to health and environmental concerns. When polyethylene burns, it produces blue flames with yellow tips, while PVC plastic yields yellow flames with green tips.
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Storage conditions
The storage conditions for preserving old plastic are critical, as plastic is inherently unstable and prone to deterioration over time. Here are some detailed guidelines for creating optimal storage conditions:
Temperature and Humidity Control:
Maintain a stable, low temperature to slow down the degradation process. The recommended storage temperature is 18°C (64°F), but a range of 18-20°C (64-68°F) is considered acceptable. Keep the humidity levels constant and well below 65%; a relative humidity level of 50% is ideal. Sharp fluctuations in both temperature and humidity should be avoided as they can be detrimental to the preservation of plastic.
Light Exposure:
Light exposure, particularly UV light, accelerates the deterioration of plastic. Store plastic objects in a dark environment, such as closed cabinets or boxes, to prevent light exposure. When plastic objects are on display, limit their exposure to light, and ensure that any light they are exposed to has UV filters.
Storage Materials and Techniques:
Use inert materials such as polypropylene for storage trays to minimise the risk of chemical reactions. Avoid materials like painted surfaces, wood, and MDF, which can off-gas organic vapours that may be harmful to plastic. Ensure that the storage space is dust-free but not airtight, as airflow is important to prevent degradation. Each type of plastic should be stored separately, and objects should not touch each other to facilitate airflow. Additionally, avoid using rubber bands, adhesive tapes, and barrier coatings on the plastic items as they may react adversely with the surface.
Handling and Cleaning:
Minimise handling to reduce the transfer of oils and dirt from hands, which can affect the plastic over time. When handling plastic objects, use gloves made of inert materials such as latex or nitrile. Cotton gloves are not recommended as they may leave lint on tacky plastics. Clean plastic objects under dry conditions by carefully brushing or vacuuming them. Avoid using water and soap, as this is no longer a recommended cleaning method.
Identification and Monitoring:
Identify the type of plastic by trade name, trademark, patent number, or spectroscopic technology to determine its specific storage needs. Monitor the status and condition of plastic objects regularly by tracking them through log entries on spreadsheets or databases. This helps to identify any signs of deterioration and adjust storage conditions accordingly.
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Cleaning and handling
When cleaning plastic objects, it is recommended to do so under dry conditions. This can involve carefully brushing or vacuuming the object. For significant build-up, a conservator should be consulted for more intensive cleaning methods. While mild soap and water were previously suggested, this is no longer advised. Oils and dirt from hands can affect the plastic over time, so it is important to handle items with clean hands or gloves. Cotton gloves are not recommended as they may leave lint on tacky plastics. Instead, inert materials such as latex gloves are preferable.
It is important to handle plastic objects with care, minimising handling as much as possible. When holding an object, use both hands and handle it in a way that puts the least amount of strain on any part of it. Avoid holding objects by their handles, and do not use rubber bands or adhesive tapes as they may react adversely with the plastic surface. Numbering barrier coatings should also be avoided. If the plastic object has movable parts, be gentle to prevent wear and tear.
To preserve plastic objects effectively, it is crucial to understand their specific composition, as different plastics have varying care needs. The additives and pigments used in plastics can influence how they age. Plastics should be stored in a dark, cool, and dry environment, with temperature and humidity control. Light exposure, particularly UV light, accelerates deterioration, so storing plastic objects in boxes or closed cabinets is ideal. The recommended humidity level is between 30% and 50%, and the temperature should be maintained at around 18-20°C. It is important to avoid sharp fluctuations in temperature and humidity, as these can be detrimental.
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Degradation factors
Plastic degradation is a complex process influenced by various factors, including the type of plastic, environmental conditions, and biological processes.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors play a crucial role in the degradation of plastics. Prolonged exposure to factors such as moisture, heat, light, and microbial action can accelerate the deterioration process.
Light exposure, for instance, can have a significant impact. Both UV and visible light can hasten the breakdown of plastic, which is why storing plastic objects in boxes or closed cabinets is recommended.
Temperature is another critical factor. Higher temperatures can speed up degradation, which is why storing plastic at lower, stable temperatures is advised. The environment in which plastic degradation occurs also matters. For example, the average degradation rates for HDPE and LDPE plastics are slightly higher in marine environments than on land.
Chemical Composition of Plastic
The chemical composition of plastic also influences its degradation. Different types of plastics have varying resistance to degradation. For instance, aromatic polymers, such as PET, tend to be resistant to degradation despite having bonds that are usually readily hydrolysed. The degree of crystallisation of the polymer can also affect degradability, with increased crystallisation limiting degradation.
Biological Factors
Biological factors, including bacteria, fungi, biofilms, and microbial communities, contribute to plastic degradation. Microorganisms can utilise certain enzymes to break down plastics, converting them into carbon dioxide and water. This process, known as biodegradation, is influenced by both biological and abiotic factors.
Human Factors
Human factors also contribute to plastic degradation. Improper disposal methods, such as landfill and incineration, release dangerous secondary pollutants into the environment. Recycling, while addressing some environmental concerns, can result in diminished polymer quality and faces challenges in terms of cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
Additionally, human handling of plastic objects can impact their preservation. Oils and dirt from hands can affect plastic over time, so it is recommended to handle items with clean hands or cotton gloves.
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Restoration techniques
Plastic preservation is a challenging task, as most plastic varieties have only been around for a century, and each type of plastic has unique care needs. The identification of the plastic type is crucial, as some plastics release toxins or gases that can damage nearby objects. Conservators and restorers are still working to determine the best preservation practices for various plastics. Here are some general restoration techniques to preserve old plastic artefacts:
Identification:
The first step is to identify the type of plastic. Plastics can be identified by trade name, trademark, patent number, or recycling code. If there are no markings, spectroscopic technologies, such as optical spectrometry, Raman mid-infrared spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry, can be used.
Storage:
Plastics should be stored in a dark, cool, and dry environment, with relative humidity levels between 30% to 50% and temperatures around 18-20°C. Light exposure, especially UV light, accelerates deterioration, so storing plastic objects in boxes or closed cabinets is recommended. The storage area should be dust-free, well-ventilated, and separate for each type of plastic.
Handling:
Always wear gloves made of inert materials like latex or nitrile when handling plastic objects. Cotton gloves are not recommended as they can leave lint, and hands can transfer oils and dirt to the plastic. Minimise handling by storing objects in a way that reduces the need for frequent touching.
Cleaning:
Clean plastic objects under dry conditions by carefully brushing or vacuuming them. Avoid using water and soap, as this is no longer a recommended method. If an object has a significant build-up, consult a conservator for intensive cleaning.
Repair and Restoration:
For scratched or scuffed plastic surfaces, restoration kits like the Plastic Renew kit from PC Racing can be used to restore a shiny finish. The process involves sanding the scratches with different grits of sandpaper, smoothing the surface, and then applying the Plastic Renew solution with a towel, allowing it to dry, and reapplying multiple coats.
Monitoring:
Regularly monitor the status and condition of the plastic objects by using log entries on spreadsheets or databases. This helps track any signs of degradation and allows for prompt intervention if necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to store plastic objects is in a cool, dark, and dry room. The temperature should be kept constant at around 18-20°C, and humidity levels should be kept under 50-65%. Plastic objects should be stored in inert materials, such as polypropylene trays, and handled with gloves to prevent oils and dirt from affecting the plastic over time. Light exposure, particularly UV light, can accelerate deterioration, so storing plastic objects in boxes or closed cabinets is ideal.
Restoring old plastic objects can involve repairing scratches and applying a renewing solution. For deep scratches, use a razor blade to scrape the edges, then use a fine polishing pad to smooth out the surface. Next, use sandpaper with increasing grit levels, starting with 220 and moving to 320 and then 500, to smooth out the plastic. Finally, apply a Plastic Renew solution with a towel, allowing time between coats to dry.
Plastic objects can release harmful toxins or gases that can damage other nearby objects. Some plastics may also be susceptible to degradation processes such as ozone-induced degradation, catalytic degradation, biodegradation, hydroperoxide decomposition, and plasticizer migration. It is important to identify the type of plastic and its composition to determine the best preservation methods and potential risks.
