Bubble wrap

Bubble wrap
Credit: University Products

Description

Introduced in 1960 as a trademark of Sealed Air Corporation, Bubble Wrap was formed from a double layer of plastic film containing sealed bubbles, or air pockets, between the layers. The bubbles provide cushioning and are often used to provide some shock and vibration isolation The name is now a generic term; as such Bubble wrap is thought to be made from Polyethylene films, but some brands are composed of Polyvinylidene chloride or Polyvinyl chloride. The permeability of the film can result in deflation of the bubbles overtime. Some versions, such as Aircap@ Introduced in 1960 as a trademark of Sealed Air Corporation, Bubble Wrap was formed from a double layer of plastic film containing sealed bubbles, or air pockets, between the layers. The bubbles provide cushioning and are often used to provide some shock and vibration isolation The name is now a generic term given to a range of cellular cushioning sheets made of low-density Polyethylene films. Some brands also have a Polyvinylidene chloride or Polyvinyl chloride film coating. The permeability of the film can result in deflation of the bubbles overtime. Some versions have and additional layer of nylon that prolongs the lifetime of the bubble.

Avoid direct contact between bubble wrap and objects. Bubbles facing out are more prone to breakage, but bubbles faced toward the object can leave distinctive bubble pattern surface marks (especially if no interleaving layer is used). Bubbles tend to break in areas where protection is most required, such as corners and projections. Some of the problems can be mitigated by placing two bubble layers face-to-face, bubble side in.

Not for long-term storage.

Package wrapped in Bubble wrap. Image credit: PACCIN

Synonyms and Related Terms

Bubble Wrap@; Bubblewrap; bubble-wrap; Artifact bubble wrap; bubble pack; bubble paper; air fill; Air Cap; Polycap; Luftpolsterfolie (Deut.)

Applications

• Packing and cushioning material with interleaving tissue
• Short-term transport, such as in field kits

Personal Risks

[Safety Data Sheet]

Collection Risks

• Not for use in long-term-storage
• Bubbles may deflate over time
• Poly(vinylidene chloride) and Poly(vinyl chloride) films may release hydrochloric acid
• Tissue will not prevent the migration of acid.

Forms and Sizes

Bubble wrap is usually sold as rolls with widths up to 72” wide. Bubble sizes can range from 1/4” to 2“ diameter; typically 3/16”, 5/16” and ½”. Perforations optional (e.g. every 12”). Varieties are available such as antistatic, with surfaces that sticks to itself, or with flat films on both sides.

Additional Information

Bubble Wrap history: https://web.archive.org/web/20100923074021/http://www.bubblewrapturns50today.info/bubble_wrap_facts.pdf

Sealed Air products: http://www.sealedairprotects.com/eu/en/products/bubblewrap/bubble_wrap.aspx

Sources Checked for Data in Record

• AIC Wiki: A Collaborative Knowledge Resource: website

• Preparation, Art Handling, Collections Care Information Network (PACCIN)

• Marjorie Shelley, The Care and Handling of Art Objects, The Metropolitan Museum, New York, 1987

• Pam Hatchfield, Pollutants in the Museum Environment, Archetype Press, London, 2002

• Random House, Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, Grammercy Book, New York, 1997

• The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998