Chapter 3.1.1: Adsorption

Even museum objects made of plastics do not last forever: polymer materials degrade in many ways. For example, the bonds of the molecules can be broken, or the loss of additives can cause cracks in the surface. Characterization of the material and the status of degradation are the first steps in devising a conservation strategy. However, most objects do not only consist of the actual polymer. Additives and fillers are what make it a material, a plastic. Small changes can cause dramatic changes in properties. The objects must therefore be analyzed by various complementary methods to determine the composition and degree of degradation. Temperature and humidity have a major influence on degradation, especially the variations in temperature and humidity. For certain plastics, it may be important to remove substances produced by decomposition from the surrounding air. Adsorbents are one way to protect objects and surroundings from outgassing. However, their use can also cause damage if it is accompanied by the loss of plasticizers. The aim is therefore to formulate and test alternative adsorbent materials that trap harmful degradation products such as acetic acid and nitrous gases, but do not promote the loss of plasticizers.