Accelerated ageing tests are undertaken to determine the suitability of materials to be used in the vicinity of museum objects.
As materials deteriorate some will release gaseous emissions which speed the deterioration of nearby objects and the materials they are composed of. The presence of pollutants in the air can cause metals to corrode, organic materials to become brittle and plastics or pigments to discolour.
CMAS undertakes accelerated ageing tests in accordance with the 3 in 1 variation outlined in the British Museum Occasional Paper 11, 1996 “Selection of Materials for the Storage or Display of Museum Objects”, updated to include revisions outlined in IIC, Studies in Conservation, Volume 48 Number 4, 2003 and Volume 63 Number 1, 2018. Minor modifications have also been made in response to Diaz et al “Review and interlaboratory comparison of the Oddy test methodology”.
Sample materials are artificially aged during the test within glass test tubes sealed with silicone stoppers. Copper, lead & silver coupons are used in the test. If corrosion forms on the coupons it indicates the presence of a pollutant. The combination of metals used is believed to detect the presence of the majority of corrosive emissions.
We also offer other forms of analytical testing, if you would like to speak to us about materials testing please contact cmas@wiltshire.gov.uk.
CMAS
E: cmas@wiltshire.gov.uk
T: 01249 705500
For all conservation enquiries including quotations and object deliveries, please book an appointment in advance.
