Rapport

FFI-RAPPORT 16/00707

nearby chemical plant. We chose chlorine gas as the culprit. Yet, our understanding is that the

piqlBox and piqlFilm would react similarly to a variety of chemical agents, so the effects are

transferrable.

The piqlBox is somewhat chemically inert, i.e. non-active. The PP of the piqlBox is normally

chemically resistant at ambient room temperatures, and most chemical compounds will have

little immediate effect on the box. Problems may arise later in the form of reduced longevity.

Acids and bases have no or only minor effects on the piqlBox, but strong oxidative chemicals,

for instance ozone, will oxidise the material and lead to reduced longevity.

Specifically with

regards to chlorine gas, the reactive gas can make the chemical bonds in the PP break and cause

the material to crack. However, for the negative effects of chlorine gas to become evident,

higher temperatures and more humidity in the air are required. At 20° Celsius and normal levels

of humidity, the damage is almost non-existent. We need temperatures of 60° Celsius and large

amounts of water in the air to be able to see severe damage [48].

Contrary to the piqlBox, the piqlFilm is very susceptible to the negative effects of chemical

gases. As the piqlBox is not air-tight, the gas will come in contact with the piqlFilm. The PET

of the piqlFilm, as a polyester, is degraded by very strong acids and bases, especially when

exposed to the compounds for longer periods of time in higher temperatures. When the

compounds are mixed with water, the effects are worsened.

For instance, the PET is resistant

to chlorine gas which is dry at 15° Celsius, but not resistant at 66° Celsius. When the gas is wet,

however, the PET is not resistant at either temperature. That means that a sufficient level of

humidity in the air can make the chlorine gas cause severe damage to the base of the piqlFilm

[49]. As with the risks presented by exposure to water, however, it is the gelatine in the

emulsion layer which is the weakest link. Because it is a protein, it will dissolve completely at

very little exposure and will react violently with corrosive gases such as chlorine gas.

9.1.9

Harmful Microorganisms

We did not include a scenario which describes how the Piql Preservation Services reacts to

harmful microorganisms in our scenario analysis. However, we thought it important to include,

especially as the properties and thus reactions of the piqlBox and piqlFilm are quite similar

when exposed to both chemical agents and biological agents. The piqlBox is biologically inert,

i.e. biological compounds have little or no influence on the piqlBox. The piqlFilm, however,

cannot be described as being biologically inert. The PET of the film is resistant, but the gelatine

in the emulsion on the piqlFilm, as a protein, is very biodegradable. Though the presence of

silver, which is an effective biocide, in the photosensitive emulsion could protect the gelatine,

gelatine is known to be degraded by fungi, bacteria and other microorganisms and dissolves at

exposure to harmful microorganisms.

The properties and qualities of the piqlBox and piqlFilm were discussed in a telephone meeting with Espen Ommundsen,

Principal Researcher at Norner AS, and Yvonne Hed, Researcher at Norner AS, on 17.09.15.

The properties and qualities of the piqlBox and piqlFilm were discussed in a telephone meeting with Espen Ommundsen, Principal

Researcher at Norner AS, and Yvonne Hed, Researcher at Norner AS, on 17.09.15.

Ibid

Ibid.

Additional information from

email correspondence with Svein Jamtvedt, Principal Researcher at Norner AS, on 27.05.16.