Material interaction can accelerate object deterioration and is common when collections are mis-stored or composite objects are present. Each material has it's own chemical and physical properties. Understanding material reactivity and sensitivity is crucial in storage arrangement and composite object care. When caring for composite objects the most sensitive and vulnerable elements will determine environmental storage, treatment, and accessibility of that piece. Some cases of active deterioration require isolated object storage and limits extent of use.
Reactive Materials |
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Material |
Material |
Reaction / Damage |
| wood | wood | Expansion at different rates, stress, breaks, loosened joints |
| wood | paper | Acid migrates from wood: paper becomes brittle, dark, stained |
| wood | textile | Acid migrates from wood: textiles become stained, brittle |
| wood | metal | Metal corrodes in contact with wood |
| wood | natural fibers | Fibers weaken and break |
| wood | paint | Wood expands and contracts, paint loosens, flakes |
| metal | metal | Possible electrochemical corrosion |
| metal | cloth | Metal corrodes, cloth becomes discolored |
| metal | paper | Metal corrodes, paper becomes stained |
| metal | paint | Metal corrodes, paint loosens, flakes |
| metal | leather | Tannins in leather can corrode metal |
| metal | plaster | Alkaline materials corrode metal |
| metal | animal glue | Glue is acidic, hygroscopic and can corrode certain metals |
objects that are made from two or more materials. Example: book made of leather, cotton, ink, adhesive, and glassine
is usually due to inherent vice and pre-existing conditions. Stability is not feasible and eventually advance stage of corrosion lead to object demise. Examples: Brittle book syndrome; Vinegar syndrome; and bronze disease.