In addition to RISE paper testing according to ISO 9706 and ISO 11108, where the paper is used for archival documents, there is ISO 20494, which offers paper stability for general graphic applications such as newspapers, brochures etc. Such paper is not intended for archives; instead, it should maintain its durability during normal use and storage.

Paper that meets the requirements of ISO 20494 shows stability for general graphic applications. Examples of possible end products with this paper include newspapers, brochures, catalogs, books, office prints, etc.

The ISO 20494 standard is based on providing a paper where mechanical fibers and/or recycled fibers can be used in paper products, thereby reducing production costs while promoting sustainability and contributing to a significantly reduced environmental footprint.

pH - Cold Water Extract 

Acidic paper deteriorates quickly, so pH is an important parameter to measure in paper. Electrolytes are extracted from the paper in a water solution, and the pH value is then measured on this cold water extract.

Alkali Reserve 

The formation of acids from air pollution in the surrounding air or natural ageing is harmful to the paper. Therefore, such paper usually contains some alkaline filler (e.g., calcium carbonate) to prevent acid attacks and neutralize the harmful acids, i.e., the paper has an alkali reserve. The alkali reserve can be measured through a titration process.

Tear Strength 

Tear strength is a measure of the paper’s mechanical strength and indicates the force (mN) required to tear a piece of paper. Preserving tear strength after ageing is a measure of the paper’s ability to remain durable in the future.

Requirements according to ISO 20494

• Tear Strength: The tear strength has a minimum value based on the paper’s surface weight.
• Preservation of Tear Strength: The tear strength must not decrease by more than 80% after 12 days of aging at 80°C and 65% RH.
• pH Cold Extract: Between 7.5 - 10.0.
• Alkali Reserve: At least 0.8 mol of acid per kg.

Accreditation 

The testing for paper stability maintain high quality through accreditation according to SS-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018.

Testing report from an accredited laboratory.

Contact RISE for price information. Please find the contact information below.

ISO 20494 Paper — Requirements for stability for general graphic applications

ISO 1974, Paper — Determination of tearing resistance — Elmendorf method

ISO 5630-3, Paper and board — Accelerated ageing — Part 3: Moist heat treatment at 80 degrees C and 65 % relative humidity

ISO 6588-1, Paper, board and pulps — Determination of pH of aqueous extracts — Part 1: Cold extraction

ISO 10716, Paper and board — Determination of alkali reserve

Self-adhesive labels are attached to archive boxes and other storage media to inform about the contents. The National Archives’ technical regulations RA-FS 2006:4, Appendix 3, set the requirements for testing the durability of self-adhesive labels. RISE testing evaluates whether the labels meet these requirements.

RISE testing in archival durability primarily focuses on paper and writing used in the production of documents intended for long-term archival storage. In addition to document production, such paper can be used as a substrate to produce self-adhesive labels intended for archive boxes and other storage media.

Self-adhesive labels are attached to the outside of archive boxes and other storage media to inform about the contents before they are placed in the archive. The labels must withstand the use of the storage media over time, meaning they are taken out, used, and then put back in the archive. However, archives have experienced issues with some labels losing their functionality, such as falling off the storage medium or the information on the labels becoming unclear over time. The purpose of the testing is to evaluate the labels’ functionality and durability.

The durability of the labels must be tested to ensure their functionality over time. Currently, however, there is no ISO standard or certification in this area, so testing and evaluation are carried out according to RA-FS 2006:4.

For labels, the critical aspect is the deterioration of adhesion, which can lead to labels falling off and causing information loss. Therefore, the adhesion test is a crucial part of the testing and includes both unaged and aged material (accelerated ageing in a climate chamber). The testing also includes writeability, appearance, changes in optical density during ageing, water resistance, and abrasion resistance. The writeability and appearance of the labels are compared with reference paper (ageing-resistant paper), where the same writing instruments have been used, and the results should be equivalent.

Requirements according to RA-FS 2006:4, Appendix 3;

• Paper: Must meet the requirements of ISO 11108 or ISO 9706.
• Adhesive: Must be acrylic-based.
• Label Writeability: Must be writable with a roller ball or point pen and printer, and the writing must meet the appearance requirements of ISO 11798:1999, section 4.2.
• Results: Must be equivalent between writing on labels and writing on paper that meets the requirements of ISO 9706 or ISO 11108, regarding water resistance and abrasion resistance testing.
• For aged samples;
  • Optical Density: The label’s optical density (according to ISO 5-3 and ISO 5-4) may change by a maximum of 0.10.
  • Adhesive Bleeding: The adhesive must not bleed through the paper or beyond the edge of the label.
  • Label Condition: The label must not lift at the corners, become buckled, or wrinkled.
• Adhesion properties;
  • Two types of storage media are tested, and the requirements must be met for both types.
  • The label may detach a maximum of 10 mm within 10 minutes under a given load.
  • Two out of three samples must meet the above requirement for both types of storage media, and the average of all three samples must not exceed 10 mm/10 min. 

Accreditation

The testing activities for self-adhesive labels maintain high quality through accreditation according to SS-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018.

Testing report and statement on whether the test results meet the requirements of RA-FS 2006:4.

Contact RISE for price information. Please find the contact information below.

A prerequisite for label testing is that the paper has been tested according to either ISO 9706 or ISO 11108 and that the adhesive is of the acrylic type. If the paper has not been tested, RISE also assists with this paper testing. Test items are sent to RISE for testing. All sample preparation and testing are conducted at RISE.

SP3487, Provning av självhäftande etiketter avsedda för arkivboxar och andra typer av förvaringsmedel

RA-FS 2006:4, Riksarkivets föreskrifter och allmänna råd om tekniska krav och certifiering

ISO 11798, Information and documentation — Permanence and durability of writing, printing and copying on paper — Requirements and test methods

ISO 9706, Information and documentation — Paper for documents — Requirements for permanence

ISO 11108, Information and documentation — Archival paper — Requirements for permanence and durability

ISO 5-3, Photography – Density measurements – Part 3: Spectral conditions

ISO 5-4, Photography – Density measurements – Part 4: Geometric conditions 
for reflection density

Long-term exposure to radon gas increases the risk of developing lung cancer. The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority estimates that radon in homes causes about 500 cases of lung cancer each year in Sweden. Radon can enter buildings from the ground, building materials or tap water. The only way to detect radon is to measure it.

By methodically inventorying and investigating the building in question, we can use our experience and measuring instruments to find sources of radon in indoor air. 

Benefit

Radon gas is invisible and odourless, the only way to detect radon is by measuring and finding sources of radon in indoor air. With the help of a good investigation, it is possible to implement the right measures and ensure that indoor radon levels are below the regulatory requirements.

The building in question is inventoried and analysed for radon sources from soil and possibly water, but radon-emitting building materials may also be present. Some of the work is also carried out in the office, for example when reviewing drawings or making calculations.

The client receives a report with documentation and recommendations for action according to the purpose and scope of the assignment. 

Time for implementation and delivery of assignments as agreed. 

Meeting with information on the aims and objectives of the project on site or by email/phone.

The structural design and stability of the structure shall not be affected by the system or the design of the structure itself, such as the frame, foundation, roof or walls. RISE may make any or all of the following interpretations that may be necessary to prevent damage or to ensure that no damage occurs.

RISE's moisture experts provide the client with data on the condition of the building structures in terms of moisture and the indoor environment, which can form the basis of proposed measures or causes of damage in the event of a dispute, for example.

Benefit

Harmful moisture is rarely or never visible to the eyes, and moisture damage can be costly to repair. It can also adversely affect the health of occupants or the physical properties of materials, with potentially serious consequences. It is therefore important that the right research is carried out and that it is carried out by experts.

Additional information

Mikrobiologiska analyser av byggnadsmaterial | RISE

Analys av röta på byggnadsmaterial | RISE

Mekaniskt ventilerade konstruktioner - funktionsprovning, skadeutredning, kvalitetssäkring, certifiering | RISE

A damp proof building solution is a sustainable building structure. With our knowledge, experience and close teamwork, we can carry out the job in the best possible way. The work/investigation may be carried out on site in the building in question, or it may be carried out in our modern laboratory environment. Some of the damage investigation work can also be carried out in the office, for example, reviewing, assessing and compiling drawings. It is not uncommon for the investigation to need to be supplemented by relevant sampling, measurement and analysis of the building material in the laboratory or in the field.

As a client you will receives a final report containing relevant data and documentation according to the purpose and scope of the assignment.

Time for implementation and delivery of assignments as agreed. 

Meeting with information on the aims and objectives of the project on site or by email/phone.

Moisture experts at RISE are involved in all or part of the construction process as a support to the developer or contractor to ensure the quality of moisture safety work (ByggaF). RISE conducts research and develops tools for ByggaF to better verify and analyse the moisture safety of structures and materials. The staff are area specialists.

Moisture experts at RISE provide you with support and the opportunity to achieve the project's requirements (at least at the level of regulatory requirements and building regulations). We are Swedaq-accredited and always objective in our work and material neutral. 

Benefit

Faults and shortcomings in the construction industry cost companies, customers and society many billions of kronor annually, and many of the deficiencies are directly linked to moisture safety and the indoor environment. With the right knowledge, experience and methodology, many of these deficiencies can be avoided. A moisture-proof building is a sustainable building. By setting clear requirements at the programme stage, many unnecessary questions and investigations are avoided during the design stage. In the construction phase, unplanned changes are limited by late detection of faults. When it is time to hand over the finished building, well-executed moisture expert work has created the conditions for compliance between the expected result and the constructed building.

With our knowledge, experience and close cooperation with colleagues, we carry out the assignment in the best way and with the help of the ByggaF system. RISE has been involved in developing ByggaF and the Diploma in Moisture Expertise training course (we also train moisture experts within the FuktCentrum) The service includes developing a moisture safety description, setting requirements for verification of functional requirements, reviewing construction documents and conducting moisture surveys on site. Some of the work is carried out from the office, for example when reviewing drawings, and some of the work is carried out on site, for example during technical verification.

The client receives relevant documentation according to the purpose and scope of the engagement. For example, statements and reports for audit and verification.

Time for implementation and delivery of assignments as agreed.

Meeting with information about the project's aims and objectives on site or by email/phone.