Microfade testing (MFT)

Overview

• Technique: Microfade Testing (MFT)
• Formal name: Microfade Testing (MFT)
• Summary description of this technique
  • This is a technique used to understand the light sensitivity of an object or colorant
• 

  Data from MFT experiments. Blue Wools act as controls with Blue Wool 1 being the least light stable and Blue Wool 3 being more light stable. Data is compared to the Blue Wool standards to determine light stability

Details

• What this techniques measures (compound classes, physical structures, etc)It is typically used on art objects to fade specific locations. It shines a bright light on the sample of interest and, within a matter of minutes, can tell someone how light sensitive an art object would be to being exhibited
• Limitations of this technique (egs: doesn't detect metals, must have certain quantities present, reproducibility, etc) Must be calibrated each time it is used. Isn't good for metals or very light stable objects. Doesn't seem to account for color shifting, only fading.
• Can/how can this technique be made quantitative? It is a semi-quantitative technique. Data from art objects are always compared to the Blue Wool Standards, which have known light stabilities.

Samples

• Phases it can be used to examine (gas, liquid, solid)
• Is this technique non-destructive?
• How invasive is this technique?
• Minimum size of sample necessary to use this technique?
• Time to run one experiment?
• Sample preparation methods [ed note: feel free to add references like ASTM or ISO methods, including numbers and name]

Methods

• Placeholder to describe or link to run the test - temperature conditions, voltages, wavelengths used, column, etc
• Variables to consider when running this method

Applications

• Examples of how this technique is used in the field?
• Risks associated with using this technique?

Budgetary Considerations

• Approximate cost to purchase equipment for this technique?
• Annual cost to maintain or run?
• Sample analysis costs?
• Time it may take to get results from a contract laboratory?

Case Studies [provide description and links]

Additional Information

• Complementary Techniques [describe and link]
• Variations of this technique [describe and link]

References Resources, databases, publications {Authors (year). Title Journal, volume, pages.}

Micro-Fading information - This site is maintained by conservation scientist Bruce Ford and is a repository of information related to microfading (sometimes referred to as the microfade tester)

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