What is Passive Micro-Climate Control?

Passive micro-climate control is environmental control using buffers rather than mechanical devices. Buffers that can be used are saturated salt solutions, inorganic hygroscopic materials, or organic hygroscopic materials, they can even be absorbent materials used in the construction of the case. Making the decision to use a passive micro-climate control requires the consideration of a couple of factors:

• the primary material the artifact is made of
• the ambient conditions outside the micro-climate
• the size, design and leakage rate of the case
• the appropriate range and level of the humidity desired
• the type and amount of passive buffer needed