Event Title: Conserving synthetic papers: types, troubles and techniques
Time and Date: 12:30-1:30pm AEST, 12 September 2025
Venue: Online Webinar (this event will not be recorded)
Presenters: Dr Cancy Chu
Cost: $10 AICCM Member, $20 Non-Member, $0 AICCM Student Member
From the early twentieth century, paper and plastic material components have been paired to achieve new functions and product types. These paper and plastic composites, as well as fully synthetic paper-like materials, have been collected as a reflection of their everyday use in journals, sketchbooks, and paperback books. Techniques traditionally used for paper conservation are not necessarily suitable for plastic-containing books and documents, due to the chemical and physical properties introduced by the synthetic component. This talk aims to introduce the audience to identifying synthetic paper types, understanding properties and deterioration pathways, and formulating compatible interventive techniques based on a study of the repair of matte laminated papers.
This talk will be followed by a Q&A and discussion time, during which participants can bring questions for the speaker and share relevant experiences and observations.
This event is facilitated by the AICCM Book and Paper Special Interest Group.