I'm not sure what you are looking for since this topic can go in several directions. But one interesting aspect of microclimates is that objects can inherently have microclimates that can cause deterioration and severe problems. This is especially a problem with glass objects like decanters or works of art with a small or no opening. Since there is no air circulation, a microclimate is produced within the object and can cause glass disease or crizzling in the right conditions and/or the right chemical make up. The microclimate will cause the alkali to leech out of the glass causing haziness, white powder, spider web like fractures and/or a slimy film. This alkali continues to deteriorate the glass starting the entire process again. Glass disease state can only be maintained through environmental control once this process has started.

Silica gel, construction of the case work and microchamber paper in the cases can help with this problem as well has maintaining RH and temperature. In some instances, where the crizzling has reached stage 4, the object has to placed in an environmentally controlled case or storage to keep it stable (or from literally falling apart).

Its a very interesting topic and one that has implications in many museums as well as small historical museums where environmental control may be an already existing issue. And often times it can be a problem that may not be realized until it has reached a very deteriorated state. Its sneaky and discreet in that way until its gotten to the final stages. You really have to be looking for the "symptoms" listed above and monitor the collection. (If you are interested in exploring this or anyone else who reads this and may have these issues, Stephen Koob is your man and has written various articles on the topic as well as a book on glass conservation and deterioration. He is an expert in the field and a pioneer in understanding the material)

Hello everyone! I am a graduate student in museum studies, and am working on a paper on microclimates. Would anyone have any ideas about strange ways or materials used in microclimates, or any direction or information would be great. Thanks!

Stacey

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