Historical Oddy Test Results: Polyethylene Padding
Oddy Test Results for samples of Sueded Polyethylene Padding
(test 1 of 2) TEST PROCEDURE: Oddy
The standard Oddy tests were carried out on one sample of adhesive-backed sueded polyethylene padding, as well as the sodium azide test for active sulfur compounds. The tests were carried out for 45 days at 30 degrees centigrade using pure coupons of copper, lead and silver at high rH. In no case was any corrosion of the coupons observed. No reaction above background occurred with the sodium azide test. The material is therefore considered to be safe in the storage or display of museum objects.
| DAY | SAMPLE NUMBER | PRODUCT DESCRIPTION | OBSERVATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-45 | Sample 1 : White | 35-111WH | No change in test blanks. |
(test 2 of 2) TEST PROCEDURE: Oddy
An Oddy test was conducted on seven samples of adhesive-backed sueded polyethylene padding.The test procedure was as follows: Each sample was enclosed in a separate glass vial with blanks of polished lead, silver and copper. Half of the sample was placed beneath the blanks so that any effect of direct contact as well as volatile contaminates could be assessed. Moist cotton was placed in the test vial, which was then sealed and exposed to 60ºF for 35 days.
A control vial was prepared in the same manner, without any sample, and exposed to the same conditions.
| DAY | SAMPLE NUMBER | PRODUCT DESCRIPTION | OBSERVATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-35 | Sample 1 : Steel Grey | 35-111SG | Pinpoint black dots on copper blank on area not touching sample noticed at end of test |
| 1-35 | Sample 2 : Green | Small white crystalline products on lead blank. At conclusion of test, very distinct corrosion on lead beneath fabric. | |
| 1-35 | Sample 3 : Beige | 35-111BG | No change in test blanks. |
| 1-35 | Sample 4 : CamelHair | 35-111CH | No change in test blanks. |
| 1-35 | Sample 5 : Brown | 35-111BR | No change in test blanks. |
| 1-35 | Sample 6 : Warm Black | 35-111WB | No change in test blanks. |
| 1-25 | Sample 7 : Crème | 35-111CR | No change in test blanks. (This color was done in a separate test after the others.) |
| 1-35 | Control | No change in test blanks. |
INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS
Samples 3-6 caused no corrosion or discoloration of the metal blanks. The copper blank in Sample 1 showed a few pinpoint black dots. These were only apparent upon very close examination and may be due to imperfections in the blank. They did not cause the fabric to fail the test. Sample 2, the green-colored suede, caused definite corrosion of the lead blank. Presumably the problem with this sample was caused by a dye component. Based on the results from this test, the green sueded padding should not be used in association with museum objects.
Requested by Benchmark, Rosemont, N.J. 08556