All objects are subject to deterioration from chemical interactions to some extent. The agents of chemical interactions might come from the materials from which an object is made, from materials used to treat the artefact, or from corrosive interactions with emissions from materials in close proximity. The results of some of the degradation processes are obvious while others are less visible bit, nonetheless, significant.
In order to protect objects within their care, museums seek to minimize potential deleterious interactions by choosing appropriate materials to use in the storage and display of objects. A summary of the types of interactions affecting different artefacts may suffer is given below. This is followed by a short list of indicative materials that present minimal potential hazards. Lists of materials that have been tested for their corrosiveness, either within the V&A or by other organisations, and have been found to be suitable for use in short-term display or storage containers for artefacts, can further help selecting materials appropriate for use with museums’ collections.