EVACON-R™ Conservation Adhesive
A specially formulated neutral pH, non plasticised, reversible archival paper laminating adhesive.
The adhesive was originally specified by the founder of CXD Stuart Welch and designed by a leading adhesive chemist for laminating Timecare Heritage Museum Boards, Conservation Boards and Premier Archival die cut Boxes and Envelopes.
In 1983 there was no laminating adhesive which took into account questions of pH, plasticisers, fungicides and acid hydrolysis. With the guidance of the late Fred Marsh and in conjunction with the adhesive chemist, it was decided that an EVA type adhesive best fulfilled the requirements of conservation with the practicalities of laminating.
The adhesive is designed to be as safe as possible for all kinds of storage uses including photographs. It has passed the Silver Tarnish Test and PAT Test and is less susceptible to acid hydrolysis than the more common PVA adhesives which can break down and emit acetic acid vapours. These vapours can be particularly harmful to boxed items trapped in a microclimate. The resistance to hydrolysis of the EVACON-R™ is probably due to the random blocks of ethylene which affect the stereochemistry of the system. The incorporation of a small quantity of calcium carbonate also helps to stabilise the system.