Tyvek

I am a postgraduate student studying for an MA in book conservation
at Camberwell College of Art in London, UK.  For my research project
I am looking into the possibility of using Tyvek enclosures to
protect herbarium specimens (which are mounted on paper) from insect
pest damage when being moved around a museum or during transit.

I am doing this work in conjunction with the Natural History Museum,
London and it is hoped to incorporate this idea into the Risk Zones
concept which is part of their I.P.M. strategy.

>From reading the literature it would appear that Tyvek type 14
would be the best for my purposes.  I will also be looking at
various types of closure to see which is the most effective and
which method of attachment (i.e. heat sealing or adhesive) is best
as this area is likely to be the weak point for preventing insects
from getting into the bag.

Stegobium paniceum (biscuit or drugstore beetle) is the biggest
problem for herbaria and I shall be researching as to whether or not
these beetles can chew through the Tyvek, and just how quickly.

Is there anyone who has done research into this area of Tyvek use or
who would like to collaborate on this project?

Rita Owen
MA Conservation
Camberwell College of Art
London


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 19:34
                Distributed: Thursday, February 2, 2006
                       Message Id: cdl-19-34-026
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