Storage materials described as “buffered” have an alkaline substance, such as calcium carbonate added as an alkaline reserve or buffer to counteract acids that may form in the future. Gaylord offers a wide selection of both buffered and unbuffered storage materials.
Cellulose fibers such as cotton, flax, linen and jute, as well plant-based specimens can be stored in buffered material, which will protect against migrant acidity, with the exception of specimens that may be used in DNA research, which should be stored in unbuffered materials. View our archival buffered storage materials.
Protein-based fibers such as wool and silk, as well as animal-based natural history collections are best stored in unbuffered material. When textiles have both cellulose and protein fibers, or dyes or if the fiber content is unknown, choose unbuffered material. Blueprints, albumen prints and cyanotypes should never come in contact with buffered material. Since buffering agents don’t migrate, a buffered box could be used if an unbuffered layer such as unbuffered tissue or polyester film surrounds the item. View our archival unbuffered storage materials. |
