Humidity Control in a Closed Package

Abstract

WHEN art objects are to be sent out to distant localities, it is the rule for Japanese conservators to enclose them in watertight boxes, hermetically sealed. This method of packing is for safety against accidents, especially against the infiltration of moisture into the packages. Despite such precautions, however, when the packages are transported into regions where the climate varies greatly, the relative humidities inside the packages undergo great changes, which sometimes seriously endanger the contents. Objects made of materials very susceptible to humidity change, such as wood, paper, silk, bamboo, Japanese lacquer, paste, glue, and so on, are in particular danger, especially when they are used in combination, or with other substances. These objects give out moisture when the air becomes drier, and absorb moisture when the air becomes more humid. They thus counteract to some extent any changes in humidity, but thereby endanger themselves by distortion or cracking. There are, however, substances even more sensitive to humidity variation. By their large and quick reaction they can be used effectively to stabilize the atmosphere inside a closed container. Two substances effective in this way are silica gel and the Japanese-manufactured 'Kaken gel'. These substances are normally used as dehydrating agents, for which purpose they are first heated to drive off all possible moisture. In our case, however, they are not used dry, but are first conditioned by keeping them in an atmosphere of the humidity which is aimed at, until they have absorbed the amount of moisture appropriate to that humidity. CHARACTERISTICS OF VARIOUS SUB-

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