HSLL PVC Reference Collection
Type Collection
Date of creation of the archive
- N/A
Date of closure of the archive
- N/A
Creator(s) of the archive
- University of Ljubljana, Prof. dr. Matija Strlič
Summary Description
- The collection consists of 250 poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) objects, gathered from various sources for scientific research, including material analysis. These objects, produced during the second half of the 20th century, encompass both unplasticized and plasticized PVC. While the geographic origin of the objects is unspecified, they represent materials common to PVC artifacts found in heritage collections worldwide. The collection was characterized to ensure diversity, focusing on aspects such as the identity and content of plasticizers, antioxidants and metals. The objects vary in degradation stages, storage histories, chemical composition, and thickness.
Extent
- Type and number of units
- 250
Object type
- Design object
Plastic object
Plasticized PVC
Toy
Unplasticized PVC
Material type
- Plasticizer
Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)
Geographic Distribution
- N/A
Statement of Significance
- The collection provides valuable insights into the degradation processes of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), a material commonly found in heritage, art and design collections. It aids conservators and researchers in understanding how environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, and plasticizer content, influence the yellowing and deterioration of PVC objects. Studying this collection is essential for developing conservation strategies to extend the lifespan of these artifacts. The collection was analyzed using various analytical methods, primarily chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, to provide a valuable dataset for scientific research and further studies. The objects are stored under known environmental conditions in the laboratory. A digitized catalogue and a database containing all measurements and related metadata are available for reference and research purposes.
Accessibility
- Yes - upon request
Access requirements
- The collection can be accessed by contacting the person in charge or the HSLL laboratory manager. Access to the collection is evaluated on a case-by-case basis taking into account the validity of the scientific research question and its feasibility. In dealing with destructive sampling requests we adhere to the ICON Ethical Sampling guidance.
Type of users
- Conservation scientists, Heritage preservation professionals, Materials scientists and Researchers in polymer degradation and cultural heritage research.
Keywords
- Analysis
Conservation
Conservation Science
Degradation
Heritage Science
Material ageing
Plastic artifact
Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)
Polymer
Preservation
Yellowing
Finding aids
- The studies and results of the analytical techniques employed on the collection, is comprehensively described in an open-access publication (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141391023000812?via=ihub). And (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-08862-1#citeas)
External link
- Name of the web site
- Reference Historic Material Collections of the Heritage Science Lab Ljubljana