Digital BW, The Print

>I know that EEM isn't technically "archival"
>(apparently that was the basis for the name change),
>but how long can we reasonable expect EEM to last
>before first showing signs of deterioration?

I think Wilhelm rates EEM at 110 years in ideal dark storage.  Previously
Wilhelm rated it at 30 years.  I have no idea what was behind the change.
(The cynic in me has a few theories, however.)

There are some stories from Florida about EEM yellowing in MUCH less time.
I think Cone has also indicated it yellows in his fade testing.  EEM doesn't
yellow abnormally in my fade testing -- aside from "normal" yellowing due to
optical brighteners burning out.  But this happens to all brightened papers.
Higher heat in the Cone fade test is presumably the source of the
difference.

Heat and humidity appear to be major variables that that can greatly
accelerate the paper's yellowing due to its acidic paper base.

That said, I still like & use EEM for display and uses where long life is
not required.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com