7-days of FREE Audio papers, translation & more with Prime
7-days of FREE Prime access
7-days of FREE Audio papers, translation & more with Prime
7-days of FREE Prime access
https://doi.org/10.55468/gc403
Copy DOIJournal: Geological Curator | Publication Date: Jun 1, 2019 |
Citations: 2 |
Whilst surveying the palaeontology collections at the Natural History Museum London (NHM), a team of Conservation Technicians working on 'Project Airless' (a re-storage project for actively deteriorating pyritic specimens) kept a record of specimen labels describing past methods for treating pyrite oxidation, ranging from 'boiling in common soda' to treating with 'Savlon'. This prompted further research into the thinking behind these approaches, and resulted in a historical review of treatments used at the NHM and how they compare to current methods. The oxidisation of unstable pyritic material became a prominent issue during the development of geological collections in the 19th Century, when early collectors provided most insight into best practice storage of affected specimens, although it was not until the 20th century when more intensive research was conducted and recommended treatments for deteriorating pyritic material began to circulate. Regardless of the treatment, however, once specimens were returned to storage conditions of high relative humidity (RH) the reaction would often recur; this instigated the need for a more preventative approach focussing on reducing, if not eliminating, the key agents involved in the oxidation process: oxygen and high RH. Project Airless is the latest attempt at the NHM to combat pyrite oxidation on a large scale by storing affected specimens in anoxic microenvironments to prevent further deterioration. Severely affected specimens are also exposed to ammonia vapour in a method which has evolved from earlier treatments. Although commonly referred to as The Natural History Museum London, the museum was officially known as The British Museum (Natural History) until 1992, so for the purposes of this article the 'BM(NH)' will be referred to until this date, and the 'NHM' thereafter.
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.