Maya Ellison
Some book-form photo albums have compartments made of plastic, into which photographs can be slipped. Other albums have heavy paper with an abrasive surface covered with clear plastic sheets, on which photos can be placed. Plastic photo albums are often made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC, or vinyl), which can deteriorate quickly and damage photos. The plastic in these albums releases a hydrogen-chloride gas that spreads to and corrodes photos and historical items over time. This type of plastic is also commonly found in sheet protectors, binders, photo enclosures, and photo corners. To avoid this, look for plastic photo albums made from inert plastics such as polyester (Mylar), polypropylene, and polyethylene.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic in photo albums | Polyester (Mylar), Polypropylene, Polyethylene |
| Types of photo albums | Slip-in, Drymount, Self-adhesive, Display, Matted, Self-mount, Scrapbooking, Digital, Coffee table, Flush-mount, Sticky |
| Photo album preservation techniques | Avoid extreme temperatures, Avoid fingerprints, Use acid neutralizing wipes, Use cotton gloves, Avoid liquids, Avoid sunlight, Store in sturdy containers, Use archival photo sleeves, Store in stable environments |
| Photo album damage causes | Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polyvinyl acetate (PVA), Tapes, Glues, Photo corners, Shoe boxes, Film developing envelopes |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic in photo albums is called a plastic sheet protector, binder, enclosure, or corner
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or vinyl is a type of plastic to avoid
- Inert plastics like polyester (Mylar), polypropylene, and polyethylene are safe
- Plasticizers make PVC unstable, releasing gas that damages photos over time
- Acid-free paper is also important for preserving photos in albums
Plastic in photo albums is called a plastic sheet protector, binder, enclosure, or corner
Plastic sheet protectors are used to cover individual pages in a photo album, providing an extra layer of protection. They are particularly useful for scrapbooking, where various items such as photos, clippings, tickets, and mementos are adhered to the pages. Sheet protectors can help prevent damage from liquids, fingerprints, and extreme temperatures.
Plastic binders are another option for storing photos. Photos can be placed in plastic sleeves that fit into a three-ring binder, providing a sturdy and secure method of storage. Binders are easily expandable, making them a versatile option for those with large photo collections.
Plastic enclosures are also used in photo albums, particularly in the form of slipcovers for the entire album. Slipcovers help to keep out bugs, dust, and other elements that could damage photos. Enclosures can also refer to individual plastic pockets within the album, which photos can be slipped into.
Finally, plastic corners are an older method of attaching photos to album pages. These adhesive corners were once popular but are now known to off-gas chemicals that can discolor and damage photographs over time.
While plastic components can be useful for protecting photos, it is crucial to choose the right type of plastic to avoid unintended damage. Proper handling and storage of photos are also essential to ensure their longevity.
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Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or vinyl is a type of plastic to avoid
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or vinyl is a type of plastic that is commonly found in photo albums. It is formed in flat sheets of varying thicknesses and colours, and is often expanded to create voids in the interior, providing additional thickness without adding weight or cost. While PVC is a versatile and durable material, it is not ideal for photo albums as it is unstable and deteriorates quickly, which can damage photos.
PVC is made from vinyl chloride, which was first synthesised in 1872 by German chemist Eugen Baumann. In its pure form, PVC is hard and brittle, so it is blended with additives like dibutyl phthalate to make it more flexible. However, these additives can have negative health effects, such as disrupting hormones, and they break down over time, releasing harmful chemicals called dioxins. Exposure to dioxins can cause reproductive and fertility issues, liver damage, and developmental problems in children.
The manufacturing and disposal of PVC also pose risks to the environment. The production process releases dioxins, and PVC is difficult to dispose of safely due to its long biodegradation period. When PVC breaks down, it forms microplastics, which contaminate soil and water, threatening ecosystems and entering the food chain. Additionally, PVC is sensitive to UV radiation, which accelerates its degradation.
To avoid the risks associated with PVC, it is recommended to use alternative materials for photo albums, such as polyester (MYLAR), polypropylene, or polyethylene. These materials are considered inert and stable, making them safer for storing photographs. By choosing photo albums made from these plastics, you can help protect your photos and minimise potential health and environmental hazards.
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Inert plastics like polyester (Mylar), polypropylene, and polyethylene are safe
When it comes to photo albums, the plastic enclosures should be "inert" and "stable", rather than "acid-free". Inert plastics are chemically stable, meaning they will not react with other materials. This makes them ideal for storing photographs, as they will not cause discolouration or deterioration.
Some of the most common inert plastics used in photo albums are polyester (Mylar), polypropylene, and polyethylene. These plastics are safe for photographs and are often used by museums, libraries, and galleries for exhibitions and storage. Polyester film, also known as Mylar, is extremely clear and chemically inert, providing protection against moisture and vapours. It is a popular choice for photo albums as it is transparent and works well in displays.
Polypropylene is another safe option for photo albums. It is a strong, flexible, and inexpensive plastic that is widely used in various applications, including packaging and consumer goods. It is also approved by the FDA for food containers and is considered safe by the EPA. Polypropylene does not contain bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical found in some hard plastics that can leach into food when heated. However, it is important to note that studies have shown that polypropylene microplastics may be harmful to health.
Polyethylene, on the other hand, is a softer and less clear plastic than polyester film. While it is still chemically inert, it is not as structurally sound, so it is recommended to avoid fully sealing objects in this type of plastic.
In summary, when choosing a photo album, look for those made with inert plastics like polyester (Mylar), polypropylene, or polyethylene. These materials will keep your photographs safe from discolouration and deterioration over time.
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Plasticizers make PVC unstable, releasing gas that damages photos over time
Plasticizers are additives that make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) softer and more flexible. PVC is a synthetic polymer of plastic commonly used in photo albums. It is the third most commonly manufactured plastic globally, with about 40 million tons produced annually.
PVC is used in photo albums because it is flexible and can be used to create compartments for photos. However, the addition of plasticizers to PVC makes it unstable, causing it to deteriorate quickly and release gases that can damage photos over time. This process is known as off-gassing, where chemicals are released that can discolour and harm photographs. The rate of deterioration is influenced by factors such as temperature, airflow, and humidity.
To prevent damage to photos, it is recommended to use alternative inert plastics such as polyester (MYLAR), polypropylene, or polyethylene. These materials are considered safer for photo storage and do not suffer from the same instability issues as PVC with added plasticizers.
Additionally, when choosing a photo album, it is important to consider other factors that can affect photo preservation. For example, acid-free and lignin-free paper is recommended to prevent discolouration and deterioration over time.
Overall, while PVC is a commonly used material in photo albums, the presence of plasticizers can lead to the release of gases that damage photos. It is essential to consider the potential risks and opt for alternative materials designed for long-term photo preservation.
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Acid-free paper is also important for preserving photos in albums
The plastic in photo albums, which is often used to hold photos in place, can be made from a range of materials. Some types of plastic can damage photos over time. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), for example, is known to deteriorate quickly and cause damage to photos. Instead, inert plastics such as polyester (Mylar), polypropylene, and polyethylene are recommended for photo albums.
Acid-free paper is an essential component of photo albums and is important for preserving photos. The acid in most papers and tissues can cause discolouration and weakening of photographs over time. Acid-free paper, on the other hand, is made from pulp with a pH above 7 and is often buffered with calcium carbonate to neutralise acids. This treatment with calcium carbonate, also known as an alkaline reserve, ensures that the paper maintains its alkalinity for at least 100 years, preventing discolouration and deterioration of photos. Acid-free paper is also lignin-free, which prevents the paper from turning yellow and harming the photographs.
Buffered acid-free paper is recommended for the storage of photographic materials, as it provides an additional layer of protection against acidification. Unbuffered acid-free paper, which does not have the calcium carbonate additive, is recommended for certain photographic prints that may react to the calcium, such as cyanotypes or dye-transfer processes.
When choosing a photo album, it is important to consider the quality of the materials used. Acid-free paper is a key component of archival-quality photo albums and is designed to protect and preserve photographs for the long term. This type of paper is also lignin-free, preventing the paper from yellowing and causing damage to the photos.
In addition to acid-free paper, other features of photo albums that contribute to preservation include glassine interleaving between pages to prevent photos from sticking together, and stitched-finish binding for longevity. By choosing photo albums with these features, individuals can ensure the safe storage and preservation of their photographs for years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
The plastic in photo albums is called polyvinyl chloride (PVC), also known as vinyl. This type of plastic is unstable and can damage photos over time by releasing a hydrogen-chloride gas that corrodes the images.
Alternatives to PVC include inert plastics such as polyester (Mylar), polyethylene, and polypropylene. These materials are chemically stable and safer for preserving photographs.
There are various types of photo albums, including slip-in albums, drymount albums, self-adhesive albums, and magnetic albums. Older styles of albums involved gluing photos onto heavy paper or using adhesive corners.
To safely store your photos and prevent damage, it is recommended to handle them with clean hands or lightweight cotton gloves, touching only the edges. Avoid extreme temperatures and sunlight, and store photos in a stable, dry environment. Use archival-quality materials that are acid-free, lignin-free, and chemically stable.
