Plastics

Cellophane (CE)

General information

Description

Cellophane is a film made of regenerated cellulose. It is a plant product and biodegradable. It is actually not a plastics, but often recognised as a plastic and therefore included in this tool.

History

Cellophane was patented in 1912 and became commercially available that year. Since the 1960s it has been replaced by other plastic films. However, because of its biodegradability, nowadays its use is increasing again.

Production, Application, Appearance

CE is only produced as film and is often transparant. It makes a rustling noise and feels quite hard and smooth. It is used as packaging film, especially for cigars, food wrapping, and as a base for self-adhesive tapes (Sellotape, Scotch Tape).

Properties

Material properties

Thermoplastic
Density: 1.50-1.52 g/cm3
Melting point: 175-205 °C
Glass transition temperature: ??°C

Identification properties

Cell structure (foam): not applicable
Smell: no particular smell
Touch: (no) characteristic touch
Sound: produces a crackling sound
UV-radiation (when clear): illuminates yellow
Polarizing filters (for clear CE): produce prismatic colours - reversing the effect of the filters

Degradation

Process

Photo-oxidation (degradation by light), atmospheric degradation, soiling (electrostatic).

Details

Is not considered a problem plastic.

Symptoms

Yellowing, loss of mechanical properties resulting in tears.

Susceptibility

UV-radiation: Medium
Light: Medium
Oxygen/Ozone: Low
Temp: Low
RH: Medium

Preventive conservation

Recommendations

UV-RADIATION: keep below 75 µW/lm UV filter for daylight and fluorescent light - reduce intensity
LIGHT: 1 just noticeable change in approx. 30 Mlx.h Moderate light dose. Control intensity and exposure time.
OXYGEN / OZONE: ambient conditions
TEMP: common indoor conditions 10-30°C
RH: common museum conditions 40-60% RH fluctuations: setpoint ±10% or ±5% when allowing seasonal fluctations between 35-65%