Jdurg - 11-7-2006 at 18:56
I have a full collection of the elements and the most difficult part is finding a way to safely store them, yet display them at the same time. I've
found that the easily oxidizeable metals tend to corrode in most containers that aren't permanently sealed shut. The only way to delay/stop
noticeable oxidation is to put the metal sample in pre-boiled mineral oil, then take the glass jar, wrap the threads in teflon tape, and put some type
of sheet over the opening before putting the cap on. Once the cap is on, wrap more Teflon tape around the opening and then wrap some electrical tape
around the seam to cover it up. I did this with my lithium, sodium and potassium and they haven't oxidized at all since I used this method to seal
them away.
Recently I purchased some more jars to put my other samples in, but the lids to these jars didn't have a good sealent to them. I wanted to get some
Teflon Sheet that I could cut and then place over the opening and attach it with some Teflon tape. This would provide a nice seal for me once the lid
ws tightened. I went to Google and did a search for "Teflon Film" and found the site below:
http://www.scicominc.com/
While the site doesn't seem to function properly all the time, they have a LOT of really nice equipment at acceptable prices and will sell to anybody
with a credit card. You don't need to be part of a business or university. 
I bought my 4 square feet of 1/32" Teflon sheet and will hope to get it soon.