Display & Foam Type

[ire79uk]

Hi,

I have heard that polyurethane foam can give off gasses over time which can be harmful to collectables. Is this true? I have a display case (made of metal and glass and is almost airtight) from Arizona Case which has a velvet covered, padded bottom. I called Arizona Case today and confirmed that the foam used for padding is made from polyurethane. What problems could this cause? Any advice is welcome. Should I return the padding and get a none polyurethane?

I feel find of stupid for asking about foam, but when you spend $1000s you want to take every precaution.

Thank you in advance,
David

[MikeB]

Display & Foam Type

Hi David-
I think you are smart for thinking about the problem of foam. It is real and most people do not consider what it can do to their items should they be in contact with it either directly or indirectly. There are 4 key types of foam that we need to be most concerned with here. There are others, but these are the worst; vinyl chloride, cellulose nitrate, cellulose acetate, and polyurethane. The worst one is polyurethane. As polyurethane breaks down it produces harmful degredation products (primarily nitrogenous organic gases.) This degredation is based on a number of factors, but mostly exposure to light, heat, moisture, pollutants in the environment, and oxygen. Unless you can make the case completely airtight, poly will break down in most cases anyway. Additionally, polyurethane should never be in direct contact with any of your items.
There are archival supply stores that specialize in non-reactive type foams. I think you should switch yours out. Here is one that I have used in the past. I hope it helps you out. Foam Design Products www.foamdesign.com Mike

[ire79uk]

Would you recommend using a Polyethylene Foam instead or would you reccommend something else?

[MikeB]

Display & Foam Type

Good question. Polyolefin (polyethylene. polypropylene) can yellow and become brittle over time. In general they are resistant to fluctuations in moisture (relative humidity,) and are generally non-reactive. Take a look and see what the foam folks I recommended earlier can advise. They should have some additional suggestions. Mike

[ire79uk]

Thank you...I will try them.

[rhudspith]

Plastazote is stable and used by museums fro storage of artifacts. Maybe under a different name in the states.

http://www.conservation-by-design.co.../boards23.html

Try this link for some info

[ire79uk]

Now that I am looking for a foam sheet for my display case (still doing research) I now need to get some material to cover it. Can anyone recommend or give suggestions on differant materials that are safe for long term display. The material that came on the original velvet pad I bought was treated with Formaldehyde (who knows why) which was not safe. I like the velvet look but am open to other suggestions. There are several material shops around my area but wanted to get advice from fellow collectors. Thx...David

[Ralph P]

Hello all - I find this thread very interesting with some good information about what foam can do to our collection. Thanks David for asking the question...

[MikeB]

Display and Foam Types

Hello David-
I might use a pre-washed, 100% cotton fabric. It will not attract bugs like other materials might if the environmental conditions are not correct. It is also fairly easy to maintain compared to silk, etc. In addition, you don't have to worry about it reacting with your items and it can be found in various textures. Some varieties look like velvet, doe skin, etc. Mike

[ire79uk]

Any thoughts on polyester material (cotton/polyester mix)? Are there any negative attributes of polyester for long term display? Thx

[MikeB]

Display and Foam type....

Hello David-
Sorry, I have been out of town for a few days and did not see your post here. I picked up your PM and have forwarded you some thoughts. Let me know if they help. Mike

[all1knew]

12x18

Hello all,

Does anyone know where I can buy a 12x18" sheet of foam for my display case? I need the 1" thick stuff that won't harm my medals/badges.

Please let me know either way. Thank you.

William Kramer

[Debra James]

What about foam in a flight case? would that do any damage?