The Effect of VikaneTm on the Stability of Cellulosic and Ligneous Materials -- Measurement of Deterioration by Chemical and Physical Methods

Abstract

AbstractVikaneTM (sulphuryl fluoride) is a commercial fumigant[1] which is used for the control of pests in museum collections. This paper summarizes the results obtained through an investigation of the effect of VikaneTM on twenty-five paper and textile samples. Samples chosen were representative of artifacts present in North American collections (cotton, linen, jute, and wood pulp fibres, from 1622 to present).The effect of the fumigation treatment has been evaluated by chemical and physical analyses: (1) Acidity -- surface pH, cold extracted pH, total acid (iodometric titration), (2) Oxidative and Hydrolytic Degradation - viscometric average degree of polymerization, carbonyl content (hydrazone derivatization), (3) and Fumigant Residues (specific ion electrode). Analysis of unfumigated and fumigated samples was carried out before and after accelerated ageing (70°C and 50% relative humidity) in order to estimate the long term stability of fumigated samples.The data obtained show that commercial grade VikaneTM degrades cellulosic and ligneous fibres. A second set of experiments on two fibre types using a new experimental grade of VikaneTM gave significantly less degradation. The presentation of this work will concentrate upon a general scientific interpretation of results.It is anticipated that the conclusions will be applicable to a broad range of artifacts.