GLOSSARY

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F

facsimile

a) a copy of an original, reproducing its exact form and style.

b) electronically generated images-text or graphics-transmitted over telephone lines, commonly referred to as faxes.

ferromagnetic

The metals iron, cobalt and nickel, and certain alloys are vastly more magnetic than any other known substance; these metals are said to be ferromagnetic. They possess magnetic properties in the absence of a magnetic field.

filler

Chalk clay or similar minerals added to paper pulp to extend the pulp, make it less porous, increase the smoothness of the paper and create a better printing surface; also called loadings.

finial

A decoratively turned or carved vertical ornament which ends a post, corner or edge on a piece of furniture.

fluorescence

A form of luminescence in which substances are capable of absorbing light of one wavelength or colour and, in its place, emitting light of another wavelength or colour. This forms the basis for fluorescent lighting.

fluorescent lighting

Light sources in which electric current is passed through a gas causing electron excitation in the phosphor atoms composing the coating on the inner wall of the luminaire.

Foam Cor

A composite board consisting of outer layers of paper and an inner layer of polystyrene. It comes in various grades, some of which contain acid-free paper-this is a trademark/brand name.

folding box board

A multi-ply board specifically manufactured for folding into boxes.

foredge, fore edge

The outer front edge of a book; the side opposite the spine. Also spelt fore-edge.

foxing

Discolouration of paper, usually in the form of random rust-coloured spots. Believed to be caused by one or more of the following: fungus or mould, impurities in manufacture, high humidity or dampness, and airborne acids. The removal of foxing is generally not recommended as the treatment methods used usually result in weakening of the paper.

frass

The dust-like debris or excrement left behind by wood-eating larvae and boring insects.

freeze drying (vacuum)

A method of removing water from wet books or other materials. The material is first frozen and then placed in a high vacuum, so that the water, in the form of ice, vaporises in the vacuum without passing through the liquid state.

freezing

In conservation work, freezing is used for a number of purposes:

• Some objects can be frozen to kill insects at all stages of their life cycle. This is a non-chemical disinfestation method.
• In a disaster, particularly one which involves water damage, freezing can be used to minimise or prevent further deterioration to objects until they can be dealt with adequately. Under these conditions freezing is not a drying technique; and although it will stop mould from growing, it will not kill existing mould spores. It simply stabilises the materials in the condition in which they were found to allow time for priorities, treatment methods and disposal/replacement programs to be established.

frequency

The number of cycles, oscillations or vibrations of a wave motion or oscillation in a unit of time, usually one second. This term is used in connection with the electromagnetic spectrum, to indicate the amount of energy transmitted by various parts of the spectrum. The more frequent the waves, the more energy they carry and the greater their potential to damage objects. Frequencies in the visible light range are lower than those in the ultraviolet range. See also Electromagnetic radiation; Electromagnetic spectrum.

friable media

Those materials used to create works of art which, if the binding agent is not strong enough, can separate from their supports and easily crumble into a powdery form, for example, charcoal and pastels.

fruiting bodies

The structures which produce the spores for the reproduction of fungi. In larger species of fungi, the fruiting bodies are known as toadstools and mushrooms. See also Spores.

fumigation

The process of exposing objects, often in a vacuum or air-tight chamber, to poisonous gases or vapour: to destroy insects, mildew or other life forms that may endanger them. The chemicals used in fumigation are often highly dangerous to humans.

fungicide

A substance which can kill or prevent the growth of fungi. Many fungicides are highly chlorinated substances which remain active for long periods. While stable enough for most normal use, care should be taken that they are used in low concentrations. While the breakdown of fungicides is normally slow, if they are accelerated by contact with some metals they can produce hydrochloric acid. See also Pesticide.

fungus/fungi/mould

Fungi are simple microscopic plants which contain no chlorophyll. They are at least 100,000 different species of fungi. Their spores or reproductive bodies are everywhere and await only proper conditions of moisture and temperature to germinate, grow and reproduce. Fungi cause staining and weakening of many types of materials. The best way to control the growth of mould is to maintain relative humidity below 70-80% and to provide good air movement.

furnish

A papermaker's term meaning the mixture of pulp, chemicals, sizing, fillers, dyes and other additives which form the ingredients of a paper.