Research and Specifications
Current Projects
Strategic Theme 1: Managing Risks and Building Resilience
Evaluating Building Performance
Lead: Mark Ormsby, Physicist
Over the past 15 years NARA has cut energy consumption by 50% and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 30% at its Archives II facility, College Park, Maryland. At the same time, a model of deterioration rates indicate that improved storage environments have slowed the aging rate of the records by 30-50%. These outcomes were achieved as a result of a collaborative project between heritage scientists, building engineers, and NARA staff. The project explored energy savings through systematic shutdowns of HVAC systems and pollutant filtration tests and were informed by recently published environmental management research. Similar evaluations will be carried out at other NARA facilities in order to optimize environmental management operations for improved environmental performance and storage environments.
Characterization of Thermo Recording Media (Thermofax): 1950-1970
Leads Dr. Henry Duan, Chemist, Lisa Isbell, conservator
The stability of thermal recording media dating from the 1950s – 1970s, including Thermofax, is found in many paper based collections and poses a number of preservation questions. Understanding the inherent properties of this media is necessary to understanding the rate at which it will change, and how to slow the rate of deterioration. These questions will be investigated by analyzing the image forming chemistry, acidity levels of the paper support, media configuration, and the response to different types of external physical stresses including selected conservation interventions. Light sensitivity will also be determined using standard micro-fading protocols. The results of this investigation will inform preservation protocols for Thermofax papers, including the recommended light levels for display, as well as the sensitivity to selected conservation treatments.
Strategic Theme 2: Integrating Research into Policy and Practice
Investigating the Materiality of the Charters of Freedom: Exploiting the Potential of Proteomic Analysis
Leads: Dr. Jennifer Herrmann, Mark Ormsby, NARA Scientists
This project aims to exploit the potential of proteomic analysis to discover more about the making of the Charters of Freedom. When the Charters were extensively examined in 2003, miniscule parchment samples were collected and analyzed. Since then, developments in proteomic techniques may now allow the same samples to be used to determine the source and possibly the species of the animal skin. This information will help to answer often-asked questions about the how the Charters were made.
The data gathered from this study will be useful for scholars who are beginning to exploit proteomic analysis, as well as inspiring further innovative approaches to analyzing and preserving NARA’s holdings.
Technical Analysis of Ansel Adams Photographs
LeadDr Jennifer Hermann, Chemist, Sara Shpargel, Conservator
Included in NARA’s vast photographic holdings are some 200 images created by the renowned American photographer Ansel Adams. The aim of this project is to use advanced non-destructive instrumentation to analyze and discover more about the materials and techniques Adams used while employed by the US Government Department of Interior to photograph the National Parks, Indian Reservations, and related sites.
Adams prints will be analyzed using non-destructive techniques: XRF instrumentation will be used to determine the elemental composition, while fiber optic FTIR probe will establish the presence of coatings and the degradation of gelatin if present. XRF data gathered from this study will provide comparative analysis with published sources of Adams’ other work. This investigation will help to inform preservation of these records.
Investigating the pH Differential in Corrugated Boards: A comparison between slurry methods and standard TAPPI cold extraction method
Lead: Dr Henry Duan, Chemist
A comparative study of slurry methods and TAPPI’s cold extraction method to determine pH and alkaline reserve in many different types of paper materials was undertaken in 2013. This study raised an anomaly that needed further investigation. Corrugated paperboards consistently showed lower pH readings between the slurry method, and TAPPI cold extraction methods. The only difference in material type between the corrugated materials and other papers is the adhesive used in the production of corrugated boards, which is released into the solution during pulp processing may explain the difference between the two methods. This study will test this hypothesis. The outcomes of this research will inform the selection of quality assurance protocols and material standards.
Paper Conservation Applications of Volatile Silicone Solvents
Lead: Dr Jennifer Herrmann, Chemist, Beatriz Centeno-Pineiro, Conservator
Cyclomethicones are a family of compounds with low viscosity and high volatility that are incorporated into many products. The two most commonly used in conservation are referred to as D4 and D5. They are hydrophobic, and so can protect water-sensitive media during conservation treatments. They are of interest because their high volatility allows them to sublime from a surface after treatment without having to be removed physically or using another solvent. NARA will add to the knowledge of the effects or lack of effects on paper when using silicone solvents in conservation treatments. Quantitative data will be collected on the factors governing the interaction of volatile silicone solvents D4 and D5 with different types of paper and how these variables may affect practical treatment decisions. A few studies have examined general properties and behavior of D4/D5 for paper conservation treatments, but many gaps remain.
This work will help answer the very basic question of how long the D4/D5 takes to sublimate completely from paper supports. NARA’s project will focus on evaluating fundamental properties of the silicone solvents' interactions with paper and treatment decisions.
Strategic Theme 3: Adopting, Adapting and Implementing
Evaluation of Cellulose Nanofibril Sponges for Removal of Rubber-Based Pressure Sensitive Tapes
Lead: Mark Ormsby, Physicist , Prof. P. McGuiggen, Johns Hopkins University, Materials Science Department, Dr Natalie Lavoine, North Carolina State University, Department of Forest Biomaterials, Lisa O’Loughlin, conservator.
Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) is the term applied to nano-structured cellulose that is gaining attention across many fields. The high absorbent capacities are finding wide application, including new products that aid the recovery from oil spills.
Building on published research, and in collaboration researchers and conservation practitioners, this project will explore how the properties of nano fibril ‘sponges’ can be adopted and adapted for use in conservation treatments. These sponges have the potential to hold a large quantify of non-polar solvents, which can then be carefully dispensed to effectively reduce or remove rubber based pressure sensitive tapes present in many paper based collections.
Assessing the feasibility of developing an early-warning tool for mold detection on cultural heritage materials
Lead: Dr Henry Duan, Senior Scientist, partners, Prof Ralph Mitchell, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University
This ‘proof of concept’ project will assess the efficacy and practical application of a mold detection assay system developed by the Applied Microbiology Laboratory, Harvard University. Cultural heritage collections often witness bio-deterioration in the form of mold outbreaks in collections, and is reported to be increasing as a result of climate instability. While much is done to mitigate the risk of mold growth, techniques for early detection of mold spores remains elusive. If the assessment results are promising, this mold detection technology could be converted into an early-warning system of mold outbreaks for heritage collections.