ISO 18902:2007
(Main)Imaging materials — Processed imaging materials — Albums, framing and storage materials
Imaging materials — Processed imaging materials — Albums, framing and storage materials
ISO 18902:2007 specifies the principal physical and chemical requirements for filing enclosures, containers, albums and frames, particularly designed for storing wet or dry processed films, plates and papers. It covers requirements for paper and board, plastic, metal, adhesives (except spray adhesives), writing, labelling and printing materials. It is applicable to photographs made with hardcopy materials. Included are photographs made with traditional chromogenic (“silver-halide”) and silver dye bleach photographic materials, dye- and pigment-based inkjet, dye diffusion thermal transfer (“dye sublimation”), liquid- and dry-toner electrophotography, and other analogue and digital print processes. ISO 18902:2007 applies to storage copies and does not include work copies. It applies to visual records for extended-term preservation and to visual records for preservation for moderate periods of time. The requirements are limited to the characteristics that may affect the enclosed item chemically or physically when it is stored under recommended conditions.
Matériaux pour image — Matériaux pour image après traitement — Albums, cadrage et matériaux d'archivage
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 18902
Second edition
2007-12-15
Imaging materials — Processed imaging
materials — Albums, framing and storage
materials
Matériaux pour image — Matériaux pour image après traitement —
Albums, cadrage et matériaux d'archivage
Reference number
ISO 18902:2007(E)
©
ISO 2007
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO 18902:2007(E)
PDF disclaimer
This PDF file may contain embedded typefaces. In accordance with Adobe's licensing policy, this file may be printed or viewed but
shall not be edited unless the typefaces which are embedded are licensed to and installed on the computer performing the editing. In
downloading this file, parties accept therein the responsibility of not infringing Adobe's licensing policy. The ISO Central Secretariat
accepts no liability in this area.
Adobe is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Details of the software products used to create this PDF file can be found in the General Info relative to the file; the PDF-creation
parameters were optimized for printing. Every care has been taken to ensure that the file is suitable for use by ISO member bodies. In
the unlikely event that a problem relating to it is found, please inform the Central Secretariat at the address given below.
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2007
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either ISO at the address below or
ISO's member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail copyright@iso.org
Web www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO 18902:2007(E)
Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions. 2
4 Materials . 3
4.1 General. 3
4.2 Paper and board. 4
4.3 Plastic . 5
4.4 Metal. 5
4.5 Adhesives . 5
4.6 Writing, labelling and printing materials . 6
4.7 Albums. 7
4.8 Glazing . 7
5 Enclosures. 7
5.1 Introduction . 7
5.2 Enclosure types . 7
5.3 Dimensions. 10
5.4 Seams . 10
6 Material and construction selection . 10
Annex A (informative) Distinction between original photographs and copies made for reference . 12
Bibliography . 14
© ISO 2007 – All rights reserved iii
---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
ISO 18902:2007(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 18902 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 42, Photography.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 18902:2001), which has been technically
revised.
iv © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
ISO 18902:2007(E)
Introduction
Black-and-white and colour photographic materials, including traditional silver halide, inkjet, dye sublimation,
and electrophotography, have become increasingly important as documentary and pictorial reference
materials for consumers and in archives, libraries, government, commerce and academia. This importance
has focused attention on the preservation of such materials to ensure their longest possible life.
The stability and useful life of processed imaging materials depends on their physical and chemical properties,
as well as on the conditions under which they are stored and used. The important elements affecting the
useful life of imaging materials are as follows:
⎯ humidity and temperature of the storage environment;
⎯ hazards of fire, water and light exposure;
⎯ fungal growth;
⎯ contact with certain chemicals in solid, liquid or gaseous form;
⎯ physical damage;
⎯ proper processing;
⎯ enclosures and containers in contact with the imaging material.
International Standards have been written specifying the stability requirements for different types of
[13] [14] [16] [18]
photographic film: ISO 18901 , ISO 18905 , ISO 18912 and ISO 18919 .
Recommended storage conditions are given in the following International Standards for different photographic
[15] [17] [19]
materials: ISO 18911 , ISO 18918 and ISO 18920 .
This International Standard is an auxiliary document and deals specifically with the enclosure materials used
in storage. It pertains to the materials used in filing enclosures, containers, albums and frames, as well as to
construction details used in folders, sleeves, jackets, envelopes, pocket pages and slide mounts. In addition,
ISO 18916 describes the test method used to evaluate materials for photo-reactivity, referred to in this
International Standard.
The term “archival” is no longer used in International Standards for imaging materials for defining optimum
storage conditions and enclosures, because the meaning of “archival” has become too ambiguous. In
common usage, “archival” has been used to mean that documents can be preserved “forever.” The new terms,
when applied to the storage standards mentioned above are “extended-term” and “medium-term.” Likewise,
enclosure materials should not be referred to as “archival,” but rather as meeting the specifications of this
International Standard and ISO 18916.
When filing processed imaging materials, it is customary and good practice to enclose these materials in
envelopes, sleeves, folders or other forms of enclosure in order to exclude dirt, protect them against
mechanical damage, and facilitate identification and handling.
Storage conditions for visual records can be designed for extended-term preservation or for preservation for
moderate periods of time. The storage protection required in each case will differ in degree according to the
inherent stability of the visual records, the cost of providing storage facilities, the desired record life, and the
frequency of record use. Storage conditions shall be chosen within specified limits in order to obtain a
satisfactory compromise between the degree of protection required and the practical consideration of
immediate availability.
© ISO 2007 – All rights reserved v
---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
ISO 18902:2007(E)
Specifying the chemical and physical characteristics of the enclosure materials does not, by itself, ensure
satisfactory storage behaviour. It is also essential to provide proper storage temperature and humidity, as well
as protection from the hazards of fire, water and fungal growth, from contact with certain chemicals in solid,
liquid or gaseous form (e.g., atmospheric pollutants) and from physical damage.
Furthermore, different types of imaging materials may respond uniquely to varying storage conditions. Clean,
dust-free storage areas are essential because dust particles can be chemically destructive to images and
base materials. In addition, solid particles can abrade photographic prints and negatives when these items are
slid in and out of filing enclosures or when stacked items are sorted. Atmospheric conditions, natural and man-
made, must be controlled since paper and plastic enclosures are permeable and they do not protect the
photograph from environmental effects. Such effects include non-recommended relative humidities or
atmospheric pollutants such as hydrogen sulfide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, peroxides and ozone.
Frames and framing material are included in this International Standard since it is realistic to assume that
photographs will be viewed or displayed at some point during their lifetime. In addition, the photograph may be
housed in the frame even when not on display. The lifetime of photographs on display is beyond the scope of
this International Standard, however in general, long-term display is not recommended for photographs since
colour and appearance may change over time.
vi © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 18902:2007(E)
Imaging materials — Processed imaging materials — Albums,
framing and storage materials
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies the principal physical and chemical requirements for filing enclosures,
containers, albums and frames, particularly designed for storing wet or dry processed films, plates and papers.
This International Standard covers requirements for paper and board, plastic, metal, adhesives (except spray
adhesives), writing, labelling and printing materials. It is applicable to photographs made with hardcopy
materials. Included are photographs made with traditional chromogenic (“silver-halide”) and silver dye bleach
photographic materials, dye- and pigment-based inkjet, dye diffusion thermal transfer (“dye sublimation”),
liquid- and dry-toner electrophotography, and other analogue and digital print processes.
This International Standard applies to storage copies and does not include work copies as defined in Annex A.
It applies to visual records for extended-term preservation and to visual records for preservation for moderate
periods of time. The requirements are limited to the characteristics that may affect the enclosed item
chemically or physically when it is stored under recommended conditions. (For methods of proper storage,
[15] [17] [19]
see ISO 18911 , ISO 18918 and ISO 18920 ).
This International Standard does not apply to the material used as a support for prints or documents. (For
[12]
permanence requirements for paper for documents, see ISO 9706 ).
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 302, Pulps — Determination of Kappa number
ISO 699, Pulps — Determination of alkali resistance
ISO 10716, Paper and board — Determination of alkali reserve
ISO 12757-1:1998, Ball point pens and refills — Part 1: General use
ISO 12757-2:1998, Ball point pens and refills — Part 2: Documentary use (DOC)
ISO 14145-1:1998, Roller ball pens and refills — Part 1: General use
ISO 14145-2:1998, Roller ball pens and refills — Part 2: Documentary use (DOC)
ISO 18916, Imaging materials — Processed imaging materials — Photographic activity test for enclosure
materials
ISO 18932, Imaging materials — Adhesive mounting systems — Specifications
© ISO 2007 – All rights reserved 1
---------------------- Page: 7 ----------------------
ISO 18902:2007(E)
1)
TAPPI T 406, Reducible sulfur in paper and paperboard
1)
TAPPI T 408 cm, Rosin in Paper and Paperboard
1)
TAPPI T 509 om-06, Hydrogen ion concentration (pH) of paper extracts (cold extraction method)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
acid-free adhesive
mounting adhesive with a cold extraction pH between 7,0 ± 0,2 and 9,5 ± 0,2
3.2
acid-free paper or paperboard
paper or paperboard with a cold extraction pH between 7,0 ± 0,2 and 9,5 ± 0,2 that is produced in an acid-free
process and is sized in a neutral or alkaline manner
3.3
anti-blocking agent
component of a material which provides microscopic bumps on the surface in order to minimize contact area
and reduce the coefficient of friction
NOTE Examples are talc and other silicates.
3.4
archival (deprecated)
material that can be expected to preserve images forever, so that such images can be retrieved without
significant loss when properly stored
NOTE However, as no such material exists, this is a deprecated term and as such is not to be used in International
Standards for imaging materials or in systems specifications.
3.5
buffered
paper or paperboard with an alkali reserve that is equivalent to at least 2,0 % mass fraction calcium carbonate
(CaCO )
3
3.6
ferrotyping
changes in the surface gloss of swellable photographic coatings (e.g. gelatine) resulting from high humidity
and direct contact with another surface
3.7
lignin-free
paper or paperboard with a Kappa number of 7,0 or less, corresponding to a lignin concentration of
approximately 1,0 % or less by mass
3.8
Newton's rings
faint coloured rings or fringe patterns formed by the interference between a direct and a reflected beam of light
generated by two transparent surfaces in close contact
1) Available from the Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry, Box 105113, Technology Park, Atlanta,
GA 30348, USA. These documents are examples of suitable documents available commercially. This information is given
for the convenience of users of this International Standard and does not constitute an endorsement by ISO of these
documents.
2 © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 8 ----------------------
ISO 18902:2007(E)
3.9
photo-safe
material that meets the requirements of this International Standard so that it will not accelerate the natural
ageing of photographic prints or films
NOTE Material that only meets pH requirements or passes the photographic activity test described in ISO 18916 is
not necessarily photo-safe due to other factors that may be harmful to images and bases. These factors can include poor
workmanship, poor design features and harmful chemical interactions not predicted by pH or PAT alone. In addition, some
materials are themselves physically and chemically unstable and thus will not last long, even though they may not initially
be reactive.
3.10
slip agent
component added to plastic material in order to reduce the coefficient of friction
NOTE Slip agents are usually amide-type materials.
4 Materials
4.1 General
The enclosure material shall be free of harmful materials that may be released slowly with time and cause
degradation to the image or support material. For example, ageing blemishes in processed silver gelatine
microfilm may be caused by chemicals such as peroxides evolved from the paper, see Bibliography [1], [2].
Likewise, the presence of acid in paper can cause paper degradation.
The enclosure itself shall be chemically stable. Otherwise, the decomposition products might be harmful to the
photographic material, and dirt or dust might be produced that could scratch, or become embedded in the
image surface. Cellulose nitrate, polyvinyl chloride, and glassine sheeting are examples of enclosure materials
that are either chemically or physically unstable and shall not be used, see Bibliography [3], [4].
The surface of the enclosure material is also important. The enclosure shall not abrade the photographic print,
film or plate. While a slightly textured or matte surface is recommended for the filing enclosure to minimize
ferrotyping, a rough surface can produce abrasion problems. There may be other harmful physical
characteristics of the enclosure material that may develop under adverse environmental conditions,
e.g. elevated relative humidity. These include wrinkling and distortions common to glassine paper, or
ferrotyping, of the image surface, i.e. local or overall glazing that can result from contact under pressure with
smooth, glossy, plastic enclosure materials. Finally, enclosures shall be of sound and sturdy construction so
that the enclosure functions properly during use, without seams or fabrication components failing or otherwise
damaging the photographs during storage.
Paper, cardboard, mat board, mounting board, slide mounts, plastic materials, inks, adhesives and frames
used without matting shall meet the requirements of the photographic activity test as described in ISO 18916.
This incubation test determines whether these materials have a chemical interaction with silver, colour or
diazo images or cause stain in the image binder layer, see Bibliography [5]. Paper shall also have a Kappa
number of 7,0 or less, corresponding to a lignin concentration of approximately 1,0 % or less by mass, as
lignin adversely affects photographs stored in lignin-containing enclosures, even when not in direct contact
with the photographs, see Bibliography [6].
If a particular material or product is found to be safe for long-term storage purposes (i.e. passes the
requirements of ISO 18916 and does not fail with use or cause physical damage), there is no assurance that
subsequent lots will contain ingredients of the same purity, chemical inertness or sound and sturdy
construction. All materials or products shall require annual evaluation and testing in accordance with this
International Standard and ISO 18916, unless the specific lot of materials or products was previously tested.
All materials shall also be retested in accordance with this International Standard and ISO 18916 should the
formulation or supplier change.
© ISO 2007 – All rights reserved 3
---------------------- Page: 9 ----------------------
ISO 18902:2007(E)
4.2 Paper and board
Paper and paperboard material should meet the physical tests required for the particular application. These
include folding endurance (Bibliography [10]), tear resistance (Bibliography [9]) and tensile strength
(Bibliography [8]).
Paper and paperboard material shall have a pH between 7,0 ± 0,2 and 9,5 ± 0,2 as determined by the cold
extraction method given in TAPPI T 509 om-06, with the following modifications.
[21]
⎯ Verify that the ASTM D1193 Type I or Type II water used for this measurement has a conductivity that
does not exceed 0,1 mS/m (1,0 µS/cm) and a pH between 6,8 and 7,3. Should either the pH or
conductivity not meet these requirements, boil water for 1 h and allow the water to cool under pure
nitrogen or CO -free air so that it meets these requirements.
2
⎯ The temperature of the water shall be 25 °C ± 5 °C and the circuit of the pH meter shall include
temperature compensation.
⎯ Reagent water may be added as a single 75 ml addition in order to limit the exposure of the extract
solution to acids in the atmosphere.
⎯ Gently mix the sample at least once during the one hour soak to promote homogeneity. Purge the sample
with pure nitrogen or CO -free air during the one hour soak. Purging may be conducted at intermittent
2
times, if necessary, to prevent foaming.
⎯ Rinse the probe with a small quantity of extract before measuring the pH of that particular extract.
Paper and paperboard material shall include an alkali reserve of at least 0,4 ± 0,1 mol/kg, which is the molar
equivalent of at least 2,0 % by weight calcium carbonate (CaCO ), as determined by the alkali reserve test
3
described in ISO 10716. This alkali reserve shall be accomplished by the incorporation of an alkaline earth
carbonate or equivalent. The alkali reserve shall be evenly distributed throughout the paper or paperboard.
Paper and paperboard material shall meet the requirements of the photographic activity test described in
ISO 18916. It shall be made from high alpha-cellulose, bleached sulfite, or bleached kraft pulp with an alpha-
cellulose content greater than 87 %, as determined by the method given in ISO 699. It shall be lignin-free, with
a Kappa number of 7 or less when measured by the method given in ISO 302, corresponding to a lignin
[22]
concentration of approximately 1,0 % or less (see, e.g., TAPPI T 236 om ), shall contain less than
0,000 8 % reducible sulfur when measured according to TAPPI T 406 and shall not contain alum rosin sizing
when tested according to TAPPI T 408 cm. For album binding, requirements for the photographic activity test,
alpha-cellulose, lignin, reducible sulfur and sizing do not apply to lined board materials, where the exterior
covers are not in direct contact with photographs inside, are separated by a barrier material such as a plastic
cover sheet over the pages, or where the interior lining is either a barrier or meets all the requirements in this
subclause, thus mitigating possible chemical interactions caused by the board composition and cover material.
[23]
NOTE Copper, iron, and manganese adversely affect paper permanence and photo-safety (TAPPI T 266 om ).
A minimum of sizing chemicals shall be used, the amount being dictated by the requirements of the end use
(enclosures, overwraps, interleaving, etc.). If sizing is used, neutral or alkaline sizing chemicals (internal
and/or surface) shall be employed. Dyes or pigments used to colour the paper shall show no bleeding or
transfer when soaked in distilled water for 24 h while held in direct contact with white bond paper.
The surface of the paper shall be free of knots, shives and other abrasive particles. Surface fibres that might
offset on to image layers should not be present. The paper shall not contain waxes, plasticizers or other
ingredients that may transfer to the photographic print or film during storage.
Each colour of paper or paperboard shall be tested separately to meet all requirements in this International
Standard.
4 © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 10 ----------------------
ISO 18902:2007(E)
4.3 Plastic
Plastics shall meet the requirements of the photographic activity test described in ISO 18916.
A suitable plastic enclosure material is polyester [poly(ethylene terephthalate)]. In addition, polystyrene,
polyethylene, polypropylene and spun-bonded polyolefins generally have been found suitable as they are
usually inert, unplasticized and have good chemical stability. Other plastics may be satisfactory, but there has
been no extended experience with such materials. Chlorinated, nitrated or acetate plastic sheeting, such as
polyvinyl chloride, cellulose nitrate and cellulose acetate, shall not be used.
Highly plasticized sheetings or coatings shall not be employed, as this might result in image transfer, sticking,
or changes to the image surface. Plastics of unknown quality containing residual solvents or plasticizers are
suspect, because these chemicals may escape and have a harmful effect on the image.
Fire-retardant plastics used for containers, shall contain anti-oxidants and non-halogenated fire retardants,
such as antimony oxide.
Most plastic sheeting used for enclosures contains slip agents and anti-blocking agents, in order to lower the
coefficient of friction on the surface and thus prevent blocking of the sheets. In low density polyethylene and
cast polypropylene, these components may migrate from the body of the plastic sheeting to the surface,
where they are deposited as a waxy residue that may transfer to the film or photographic print stored inside
the enclosure. In addition, this waxy film may attract dust and other foreign matter that could cause abrasion
or otherwise deteriorate the photograph. Currently there is no standard test procedure to evaluate the
suitability of slip agents and anti-block agents in plastic enclosures for long-term storage of photographic
prints or films.
The plastic shall meet the physical tests required for the particular application. These include folding
endurance (Bibliography [10]), tear resistance (Bibliography [11]) and tensile strength (Bibliography [7]).
4.4 Metal
Metals used for cores, reels, containers and frames shall be noncorrodible, such as anodized aluminium or
stainless steel. The use of steel is permissible, provided the surface is well protected by powder coating,
tinning, plating or some other corrosion-resistant finish. Lacquer or enamel that might give off reactive fumes,
peroxides or exudations during storage shall not be used. Powder coated finishes are generally inert and do
not release solvents or reactive fumes. Metal finishes shall meet the requirements of the photographic activity
test described in ISO 18916.
NOTE Zinc and other potentially reactive metals may oxidise silver in the presence of atmospheric oxygen leading to
silver image deterioration in black-and-white silver-gelatine films and papers. Iron, zinc and other potentially reactive
metals may also reduce some cyan dyes used in the 1940s to the early 1980s in chromogenic negative, slide and motion
picture films and in chromogenic paper. Aluminium, stainless steel, and gold are generally photo-safe.
4.5 Adhesives
4.5.1 Basic requirements for all adhesives
Adhesives used as mounting adhesives and in the construction of albums, framing and storage materials and
to adhere paperboard plies shall meet the requirements of the photographic activity test described in
ISO 18916. Some images can be damaged by adhesives that contain impurities such as sulfur, iron, copper or
other ingredients that might attack image silver, gelatine or film and paper supports. Various adhesives are
hygroscopic, thus increasing the possibility of local chemical activity. Many adhesives discolour with age,
staining any material with which they are in contact, or fail over time causing enclosure seams to open up.
© ISO 2007 – All rights reserved 5
---------------------- Page: 11 ----------------------
ISO 18902:2007(E)
4.5.2 Mounting adhesives
Adhesives for mounting photographs shall meet the requirements of ISO 18932. Mounting adhesives shall
also have a cold extraction pH between 7,0 ± 0,2 and 9,5 ± 0,2 as determined by the procedure described
in 4.2 with the following additional modifications.
⎯ For liquid adhesives, measure the pH of a dried film. Cut the film into small squares prior to suspending in
water. Determine the sample size based on the weight of the dried film.
⎯ To facilitate handling of pressure-sensitive adhesives and dry mount adhesives, do not cut the samples
into small squares. Cut sheets into ribbons 5 mm to 10 mm in width and remove any liners that may be
presen
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.