Fossils hold the keys to the world's prehistoric past. They contribute to our understanding of life on this planet and lend valuable insight into the inner workings on the world. However, it's impossible to replace them if they are lost or destroyed. The Canadian Conservation Institute developed a study in which they researched the impact of parylene on fossils. Parylene coating was found to strengthen fragile materials without harm, preserving them for generations to come.
The project was created because of delicate leaf and cone specimens from a location in the Northwest Territories. In forest environments, specimens are preserved in stratified deposits. Within these strata are fallen stumps and trees as well as a leaf mat consisting of cones, seeds, ferns, leaves and various other species. Although they are incredibly old, they haven't mineralized. In some locations, the specimens aren't even compressed. But when they dry out, they take on the consistency of cigarette ash. A large amount of these specimens were gathered for study and display, but without being properly preserved, the whole collection was in jeopardy. Typical techniques were too dangerous for these specimens, so museums and archives worldwide developed a study focusing on parylene coating as a preservation technique.
During the parylene coating, there was little evidence of film on the surface and it effectively strengthened without harming appearance. Following the success of the project, a broader study was undertaken, with tests on various aging methods, surface gloss, colour change by Minolta chromameter and response to RH change.
Possible parylene coating applications include objects conservation, natural history conservation, ethnographic conservation, archaeological conservation, specimen preparation and textile conservation. It could also be used for library, paper and book conservation, among other things.
Parylene coating has many advantages compared to other methods. It is thermally stable, lightweight, does not interact with the substrate and only requires low quantities. Overall, preserving delicate artifacts with parylene is very successful.
The project was created because of delicate leaf and cone specimens from a location in the Northwest Territories. In forest environments, specimens are preserved in stratified deposits. Within these strata are fallen stumps and trees as well as a leaf mat consisting of cones, seeds, ferns, leaves and various other species. Although they are incredibly old, they haven't mineralized. In some locations, the specimens aren't even compressed. But when they dry out, they take on the consistency of cigarette ash. A large amount of these specimens were gathered for study and display, but without being properly preserved, the whole collection was in jeopardy. Typical techniques were too dangerous for these specimens, so museums and archives worldwide developed a study focusing on parylene coating as a preservation technique.
During the parylene coating, there was little evidence of film on the surface and it effectively strengthened without harming appearance. Following the success of the project, a broader study was undertaken, with tests on various aging methods, surface gloss, colour change by Minolta chromameter and response to RH change.
Possible parylene coating applications include objects conservation, natural history conservation, ethnographic conservation, archaeological conservation, specimen preparation and textile conservation. It could also be used for library, paper and book conservation, among other things.
Parylene coating has many advantages compared to other methods. It is thermally stable, lightweight, does not interact with the substrate and only requires low quantities. Overall, preserving delicate artifacts with parylene is very successful.
About the Author:
Parylene coating has numerous uses, including the preservation of delicate fossils. This article focuses on the applications of parylene in fossil preservation, including its advantages, properties and usages.
