Vacuum freeze drying removes moisture from frozen material under reduced pressure, allowing ice to pass into vapor without first becoming liquid during the drying stage.
What this means at your property
The method may be considered by specialists for suitable water-damaged documents or other contents. It does not automatically reverse staining, distortion or damage to inks, bindings and coatings.
What should be discussed with a document specialist?
Identify the material, importance, condition and timing of the damage. Ask for handling instructions, an inventory and realistic recovery limits. Do not improvise treatment of valuable documents before the specialist has advised how they should be stabilized and transported.
Related terms
Further reading: Library of Congress: freezing wet collections.