September 15, 2022
The Image Permanence Institute received a National Leadership Grant for Museums from the Institute of Museum and Library Services in the amount of $711,598 to support a three-year research project that will study the relationship between equilibrium moisture content (EMC) and the physical stability of plastics and plastic composite artifacts found in museums.
The experimental design for this project builds on previous research on moisture and plasticizers conducted by Emma J. Richardson, IPI Director of Research, and the EMC work of Jean-Louis Bigourdan, IPI Research Scientist Emeritus. Grant funding will support extending laboratory capabilities with new instrumentation and include recruitment of a two-and-a-half year Post-Doctoral Researcher. The appointed researcher will conduct research using advanced thermomechanical analytical techniques and data analytics to quantify the impact of changing environmental conditions on the mechanical properties of plastic composites, with a view to identifying safe storage, display, and handling conditions for historic plastics. A search for the Post-Doctoral Researcher position will begin this month.
The Image Permanence Institute is looking for an early- to mid-career conservation professional (all disciplines are encouraged to apply) who is committed to supporting and assisting collecting institutions with essential preventive conservation activities.
In May-June 2022, IPI conducted an online survey assessing how collecting institutions are using 3D printing and interacting with 3D printed objects and materials. The survey covered three major areas: 3D printed objects and artwork found in collections, conservation treatments of 3D printed objects, and 3D printing in preservation and access activities, including its use as a tool in conservation treatments of non-3D printed objects, exhibition and display, and collections transportation.
IPI is thrilled to announce that Dr. Marvin Cummings will join the team as Research Scientist in November 2022. Marvin brings extensive research experience from the technology sector, with a solid interdisciplinary background across the physical sciences, engineering, and archeometry.
This month, IPI is completing the first year of a three-year research project aimed at building a foundational understanding of how museums are creating, collecting, and consuming 3D printed objects. In May and June of 2022, project work included an online survey assessing how collecting institutions are using 3D printing and interacting with 3D printed objects and materials across a broad range of activities.