Difference between revisions of "Bubble wrap"
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== Description == | == 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; 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. |
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| + | 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. | ||
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| + | Not for long-term storage. | ||
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[[File:BwrapPACCIN.jpg|thumb|Package wrapped in Bubble wrap. Image credit: PACCIN]] | [[File:BwrapPACCIN.jpg|thumb|Package wrapped in Bubble wrap. Image credit: PACCIN]] | ||
Revision as of 13:46, 20 July 2020
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.
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
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