Mattel’s ©Barbie: Preventing Plasticizers Leakage in PVC Artworks and Design Objects through Film-Forming Solutions

The main conservation problem of p-PVC artworks is phthalate-based plasticizer migration. Phthalate migration from the bulk to the surface of the materials leads to the formation of a glossy and oily film on the outer layers, ultimately reducing the flexibility of the material. This study aimed to develop a removable coating for the preservation of contemporary artworks and design objects made of plasticized polyvinyl chloride (p-PVC). Several coatings incorporating chitosan, collagen, and cellulose ethers were assessed as potential barriers to inhibiting plasticizer migration. Analytical techniques including optical microscopy (OM), ultraviolet/visible/near-infrared spectroscopy (UV/Vis/NIR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to evaluate the optical and chemical stability of selected coating formulations applied to laboratory p-PVC sheet specimens. Subsequently, formulations were tested on a real tangible example of a design object, ©Barbie doll, characterized by the prevalent issue of plasticizer migration. Furthermore, the results obtained with the tested formulations were evaluated by a group of conservators using a tailored survey. Finally, a suitable coating formulation capable of safeguarding plastic substrates was suggested.