Only acid-free and plasticizer-free plastic products should be used for the packaging of works of art. In general, no chloride compounds (e.g. PVC) should be used. Suitable products are polyethylene terephthalate e.g. Mylar, polyethylene e.g. Dibond, polycarbonate e.g. Lexan, Tuffak or Makrolon, polymethyl methacrylate e.g. Lucite, Plexiglas or Perspex and polypropylene. Polyester, polystyrene and silicones are less useful, the latter release acetic acid especially during drying.
Among the foams, physically expanded low-pressure polyethylene foams (e.g. Ethafoam, Plastazote) are harmless as long as they are not coated with adhesive tape. It should be noted that they are not hygroscopic (not water-attracting).
PLASTAZOTE packaging foams
The expert choice of packaging for plastic packaging includes high performance cross-linked polyethylene foams (Plastazote) with closed cells".
Whether works of art of inestimable value, historical artefacts or preserved specimens of animals or plants in museums of natural history - all objects must be optimally protected during exhibition, transport or storage in archives. In many museum and gallery applications the use of high purity polyethylene foam is the desired standard, with Plastazote being the reference for purity and uniformity today. PLASTAZOTE FOAM is a high purity cross-linked polyethylene foam with closed cells. It is manufactured using a unique high pressure fabric impregnation process which guarantees exceptional purity and uniformity. These foams are the ideal materials for security packaging and have a proven track record in museums and galleries. Plastazote foams are completely free of fluorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons (HFCs, CFCs, HCFCs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and contain no potentially corrosive or discolouring residues of foaming additives. Plastazote's highly durable, stable and odourless foams are available in a range of different densities and attractive colours. The coloured foams use solid pigments which are fully integrated into the polymer matrix and therefore do not migrate or leach.
Plastazote foams are easy to machine. It is manufactured in blocks of 2m x 1m and can be cut, sawn, milled, punched, split, thermoformed, water jet cut, laminated and welded to produce virtually any shape required. Due to the closed cell structure, the materials can be easily freed from dirt. For this purpose, standard cleaning agents - household soap - in combination with warm water are sufficient. High purity, non-dyeing, acid and ammonia free, water and chemical resistant, good gripping elasticity, good energy absorption, extraordinarily attractive appearance are only some of many outstanding properties.
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS:
General packaging and padding, foam lining of showcases, foam lining of boxes and drawers, special inserts inserts boxes and cases, book stands, worktop supports for sorting samples, storage and packaging of fragile objects, foam padding of pictures ecc.
vibra? Museums Art Foam
Vibraplast AG offers you professional foam products for optimal packaging, storage, securing or shipping of art objects and collection items in museums, libraries, archives and galleries.
Be it for the permanent safekeeping, securing and preservation of archival materials or the safe transport of art objects, our foams are ideally suited for this task.
For further questions please contact us! info@vibraplast.ch
