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Objects made of polyurethane foam : an irremediable degradation ?
Polyurethane foams are widely used in museums, either for the design and production of cultural heritage objects (sculptures, design objects, textiles, toys), or for their conservation and presentation (caulking, stuffing, rigging, packaging and storage). However, these materials are unstable and may degrade over a period of a few decades. Many of these objects are therefore in poor condition and pose specific conservation issues. These degradations result in the discoloration and weakening of the foams, which become sticky or powdery. The mechanisms for the thermal and photomechanical degradation of these foams are not yet fully understood, even if it seems clear that they are caused by oxidation and/or hydrolysis reactions.
The research conducted by chemists from Paris as part of the European project POPART focuses on evaluating the degradation of objects made of polyurethane foams. Firstly, it aims to identify, through the use of numerous analytical techniques, chemical markers that would help assess the impact of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light and oxygen on the processes responsible for the deterioration of the foams. Secondly, a better understanding of these processes will allow adequate protection methods to be tested and put forward.
Centre de recherche sur la conservation des collections, CNRS-MNHN-Ministère Culture et communication
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