Evaluation of the use of saturated salt solutions for the museum relative humidity control

Abstract EN

RH that is too high, too low or that fluctuates widely damages archaeological collections.

Saturated salt solutions (Magnesium chloride, Sodium bromide, Potassium carbonate) have been used to obtain an equilibrium relationship of relative humidity and temperature.

Over a temperature range 30˚C±2˚C.

The experiments described in this research have the intention of creating known environmental conditions in containers where the linen textiles and metal samples are to be tested.

The aim is to evaluate of saturated salt solutions to reach humidity to equilibrium state over a three-weeks and their effect on experimental samples.

The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX and EDS) analysis were used to detect the presence of salt ions deposition in samples.

The mechanical characterize of textile samples were tested by tensile strength and elongation test