710546The utilisation of supercritical CO2 (sCO2) as a tool in the preservation of culturally significant materialsClosedGRD Proof of ConceptInnovate UKThe PJH Partnership Ltd's novel process enables safe, high speed, high volume & lower cost preservation of culturally significant materials and whole archives of historical records. This novel technology is an attractive alternative to the current high cost, labor intensive and extended methods of preserving such materials. The market for preservation of archived material is significant. 26 million such items have been recently identified within the UK by the National Preservation Office / British Library’s report - 13% being in urgent need of preservation and a further 66% being borderline. Likewise financial and budgetary constraints due to the international financial crisis is delaying necessary preservation and further enhances this major problem. Through this 15 month study, PJH will prove the concept of utilising supercritical CO2 (sCO2) to impregnate a wide range materials such as papyrus, vellum, leather & wood panels to cotton, flax and hemp canvases. The precisely managed gentle delivery achievable by the controlled applications of specific formulations of water and other key chemicals is exceptionally beneficial in both stabilising and hydrating materials. The high rates of diffusion analogous to this gas and high transport capacities analogous to liquids are well known properties of sCO2. This project seeks to exploit these key characteristics combined with entrained chemicals to impregnate materials thus preserving them for all. The significant issue associated with ageing and environmental decay may be delayed. Digitisation will be made easier and clearer from removal of accumulated dirt and future expensive storage costs will be significantly reduced. Successful implementation of this technology will facilitate increased availability for academics and the general public who are interested in their own heritage.