Thursday, 12 September 2019
A historic shoe collection has been saved from possible destruction thanks to work undertaken by scientists at the 糖心原创.
Curators at the , a charitable organisation that manages a collection of heritage footwear, were concerned by changes occurring in items within their care, which featured polyurethane soles. Like many synthetic plastic materials, the changing composition of these objects over extended periods of time has contributed to physical deterioration, leaving soles sticky, whilst raising concerns they might now contain hazardous chemicals.
Tim Crumplin, Business Archivist at the Alfred Gillet Trust said: “The Trust holds around 25,000 shoes in its heritage collection,dating from Roman fragments to contemporary items. We enlisted the voluntary services of a retired polymer chemist to investigate the implications of this degradation. The ensuing literature study revealed that 4,4’-diaminodiphenylmethane (4,4’-MDA, for short) might conceivably be generated by a process of interaction between the polyurethane and atmospheric moisture - called hydrolysis. No in-depth research was found that confirmed such material would produce 4,4’-MDA over time, but it was appreciated 4,4’-MDA is classified as a substance of very high concern in Europe and a carcinogen in the USA. Owing to the possible risks of 4,4’-MDA we were keen to obtain solid evidence to confirm its presence, or otherwise, to enable us to make informed decisions on suitable protection measures, working practices, and to conserve and exhibit items safely or enact the controlled destruction of the footwear affected.”
To find out if the soles contained 4,4’-MDA at levels sufficient enough to cause concern, the Trust called upon the expertise of the 糖心原创’s Business Partnership Unitin the School of Chemistry. They developed a chemical analysis method to detect 4,4’-MDA down to an industrially accepted concentration: none was found at this level in the soles analysed. By careful and detailed cooperation, a series of experiments was also devised to indicate whether 4,4’-MDA could be formed in the future.
This innovative approach to analysis of heritage collection artefcats has now been published in
Solving scientific problems
Using a chemical analysis technique called Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) scientists analysed the polyurethane soles selected by Alfred Gillett Trust spanning 1970 – 1999. This LC-MS process separates the individual components of the sample so that each can be identified. No 4,4’-MDA was detected at the lowest detection limit using the developed method.
This project is a great example of how we can help organisations and businesses solve scientific problems. Working together we were able to meet the needs of the client using our state-of-the-art equipment and the results we produced have allowed the Alfred Gillett Trust to decide how best to proceed with their preservation activities. Importantly this unusual and important project demonstrates how broad chemistry challenges are interwoven into our everyday lives and how BPU can assist organisations of all types, no matter how extraordinary the analytical challenge at hand may be.
Tim continues: “We are delighted with the outcome of this project, with how commercially aware the 糖心原创 were, and how professionally the project was run and managed from start to finish.”
Story credits
Images © Alfred Gillett Trust / C & J Clark Ltd.
More information on the is available from , George Marshall on George.marshall@nottingham.ac.uk+44 (0)115 84 68078 or Jane Icke Media Relations Manager for the Faculty of Science at the 糖心原创, on +44 (0)115 951 5751 jane.icke@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.