Standard packing systems using plastic foils

Some years ago the Wagenburg (Collection of Carriages) of the KHM had the need to improve the storage conditions for objects kept in unfavourable metal cases in a historic building. Following the then known literature two sets of similar objects were packed in polyethylene (PE), ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH) and aluminium oxide coated plastic films, using partly anoxic conditions to prevent further corrosion and degradation. After observing the climatic conditions inside the packs and the changes on the objects themselves for about 1.5 years some unexpected results were gained especially for anoxic conditions. Therefore, the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna (KHM), the Essl Museum, the Wien Museum (Modesammlung Hetzendorf), the Institute for Restoration and Conservation of the University of Applied Arts Vienna, and the Österreichisches Forschungsinstitut für Chemie & Technik (ofi) felt the need for more in-depth investigations and tests for packing museum objects in plastic films. The following topics are currently addressed:

• further characterisation of the locally (Austria and Southern Germany) produced plastic films concerning the migration, the permeability, and the accumulation of air pollutants and pollutants released by the packed objects (e.g. pesticides) as well as long-term stability
• enabling the well directed selection of certain films (type, thickness, transparency, use of prepared packs, sealing systems) for different purposes (avoiding insect pests and dust, stabilising relative humidity, protecting objects from aggressive air pollutants, safeguard museum personnel against toxic compounds released by objects, anoxic treatment)
• developing as cheap as possible and easy to maintain packing systems (maximum 5 different) and putting together a hand-out with guidelines for collection keepers
• practical tests of selected packing solutions to test their suitability also for small collections (often without a trained restorer).