Christine Mouw wrote:
>
> Greetings:
>
> I have a question for people who are more up on new archival packing
> materials than I am.
>
> We've gotten several shipping crates lately from other museums (whom I
> would expect would use only archival-quality foams) that are filled with
> a soft, spongy, black foam that doesn't look like any foam I've ever been
> taught is safe to use.  I'm just wondering if there's been a new type of
> foam that's ok to use with artifacts, or could it just be a coincidence that
> these museums have the same non-archival foam lying about that they
> used in these crates?
>
> Also, while I've got your ears (eyes?), does anyone have an opinion on
> using foam peanuts as filler in a packing crate when lightweight artifacts
> are wrapped or boxed in an acid-free container inside the crate?
>
> Just curious.
>
> Christine Mouw
> Assistant Curator
> Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum
> West Branch, Iowa  52358
> [log in to unmask]

With out seeing the black foam it's hard to say what it is and what it's
properties are.  I would call the museum that the crates came from and
talk with their registrar about it.

Peanuts are not recommended for packing.  They shift and settle with
movement.  The object does not remain stationary therefore allowing
possible damage to occur.   I think you would be better off bracing the
inner box with ethafoam bumpers.

Hope this helps.

-- Elise
-----------------------------
Elise C. Margosis
F.A.E., Inc.
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