Volatile Organic Compounds and the Conservation of Inorganic Materials

By (author) Alice Boccia Paterakis

Book cover: Volatile Organic Compounds and the Conservation of Inorganic Materials

Extent: 132 pages

Publisher: Archetype Publications Ltd 

Subjects: Art & Art History, Book History, Conservation, & Museum Studies

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(March 2016)

ISBN: 9781909492400

6.89 x 9.65 inches

Price: $50.00

In stock

Alice Boccia Paterakis investigates the impact of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in museums and galleries, focusing on acetic and formic acids emitted by materials like wood, adhesives, and sealants. Drawing on research conducted across museum collections, the author documents the damaging effects of VOCs on inorganic objects and offers practical guidance on conservation treatments, safer display and storage materials, and environmental monitoring. The book is an essential resource for preserving collections vulnerable to indoor pollutants.


Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon-based molecules which, in museums and galleries, are often found as indoor pollutants. The result of off-gassing of materials used in the construction of show cases, storage cabinets and containers, and also resulting from methods of exhibit preparation and cleaning, VOCs not only present possible health hazards but can also affect objects in collections. This book focuses on acetic and formic acid often present in wood and wood products, adhesives, sealants, paints, polyester and rubber as well in the outdoor atmosphere. The author’s research into this topic took her to various museum collections where she observed and recorded the deleterious effects of these volatile compounds on various inorganic materials, many of which are illustrated in the text. Having identified the sources of the VOCs she discusses appropriate conservation treatments, display and storage materials, and ways of monitoring and mitigating the effects of the local environment.

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 Volatile organic compounds and the formation of acetate and formate compounds on inorganic materials

Carboxylic acids

Acetic acid and acetates

Formic acid and formates

Calcareous materials

Non-calcareous materials

Chapter 3 Calcareous materials

Ceramic and unfired clay

Shell

Stone, fossils and minerals

Stucco and plaster

Chapter 4 Non-calcareous materials

Metals

Glass,

Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 Volatile organic compounds and the formation of acetate and formate compounds on inorganic materials

Carboxylic acids

Acetic acid and acetates

Formic acid and formates

Calcareous materials

Non-calcareous materials

Chapter 3 Calcareous materials

Ceramic and unfired clay

Shell

Stone, fossils and minerals

Stucco and plaster

Chapter 4 Non-calcareous materials

Metals

Glass

Chapter 5 Identification, mitigation and conservation

Identification and quantification of pollutants and corrosion/efflorescence

Mitigation

Conservation

Conclusions

Bibliography

Index

  • By (author) Alice Boccia Paterakis