Preliminary Investigations on the Preservation of Botanical Specimens by Radiation-Induced Polymerization

Abstract

An ideal method for preserving botanical specimens would maintain original colors, textures, shapes and possibly odors of the fresh specimens while retarding decay and protecting frailties. Drying and pressing methods preserve most naturalness, but offer little protection against deterioration, particularly from handling. Imbedding specimens in plastics increases protection, but prevents tectual examinations and often restricts specimen sizes. Recent investigations into radiation-induced polymerization techniques suggest a possible preservative method combining virtues of the two methods just mentioned; however as yet, the technique is beset with problems.