Abstract Fundamental physical and mechanical properties of albumen photographs are studied. The paper base modifies the behavior of albumen in photographs. Curl is attributed to mismatch of water and humidity induced dimensional changes of albumen and paper layers.
Photographs continue to shrink when rewet and dried.
Slow dimensional changes result in rubber-like behavior. Fast changes, such as those induced by surface swabbing, result in brittle behavior. Copyright 1999 Paul Messier . All rights reserved.