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In this study we will outline the history of paper conservation at the Wien Museum, emphasizing particularly on bleaching methods which were carried out during the period of 1978–1987. Our research is primarily based on conservation protocols kept at the museum during the period studied. Furthermore, theme-centred expert interviews were conducted with conservators who had worked for the collection. A literature review of common bleaching methods in paper conservation helped putting our observations into the larger context of scientific discourse at the time. During the period under study the main bleaching agents were hydrogen peroxide combined with diethyl ether and chloramine T. There were uncertainties regarding pre- and post-treatment options such as washing, deacidification and "anti-chlorine baths". In general, treatment protocols and interviews reflect the state of published research of that time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Magnesium oxyhydroxide colloid was obtained by pulsed laser ablation of Mg in water. • Magnesium oxyhydroxide lamellas effectively bind to the surface of the paper fibers. • Magnesium oxyhydroxide colloid treatment bleaches, hardens and stabilizes the paper. • The treatment proposed is highly effective and surpasses the conventional techniques. Magnesium-containing nanocolloids were synthesized by nanosecond pulsed laser ablation (PLAL) of a Mg target in water. As-prepared colloids contained 2-D lamellar nanostructures of magnesium oxyhydroxide Mg 5 O(OH) 8 (Mg-NSs) with a thickness of 5–10 nm and a length/width up to one micron. The colloids obtained were used for the first time to restore old, low-quality paper (a Russian book from the beginning of the 20th century). All results were compared to conventional treatment with basic magnesium carbonate. It was found that Mg-NSs facilitated effective deacidification and conservation treatment of the paper. Paper pH increased after treatment and remained stable upon artificial aging. Moreover, treatment led to an increase in paper whiteness of up to 10% and paper strengthening up to 25%. In general, the treated paper became more resistant to the deterioration processes during aging. Thus, colloid of Mg 5 O(OH) 8 lamellar nanostructures obtained by PLAL in water is a promising agent for paper restoration and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the implementation of results from a test series exploring non-aqueous facing methods in paper conservation (Bedenikovic 2018). The lessons learnt during the systematic study of different materials and methods were applied in a real-life conservation situation, and findings from the test series could be complemented with observations made in practice. The case study will discuss the conservation of a seventeenth century drawing damaged by ink corrosion. The severely degraded, brittle paper had to be secured with a facing before it could be removed from the mounting board. Adhesives introduced during earlier treatments posed additional challenges during the conservation process. A facing made of Rayon, coated with 2.5 % Klucel® G in water and reactivated with 96 % ethanol stabilized the drawing effectively during treatment and could be easily removed without damaging the object's surface or leaving residues behind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various articles within the issue on topics including paper conservation during a time of rag shortages; Shelly and sculpture; and Shelly's novel "Frankenstein."

Fungi continue to be the main cause of biodeterioration in libraries. In addition to degrading paper, fungi are an important health issue for librarians and even library users. The aim of this study was to investigate the application of supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO 2 ) to ancient paper contaminated with fungi. For this purpose, SCCO 2 was applied in two processes to treat samples of paper pieces: addition of 4% and 8% ethanol (w/w) at a pressure of 150 bar and temperature of 40 °C for 1 hour. Control samples (no processing) and processed samples were directly plated onto culture media to evaluate the frequency of fungal growth. Morphological and molecular analysis of the 294 samples showing mold growth on paper revealed that Aspergillus niger , Aspergillus flavus , and Eurotium amstelodami were the most frequently isolated fungi. In the control group, 47.6% of the samples were contaminated with fungi. This percentage was only 1.9% after treatment with both processes. The difference between unprocessed control samples and samples treated under the two conditions was statistically significant ( P < 0.1) for a confidence interval of 90%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Widening the methodology of chromophore analysis in pulp and paper science, a sensitive gas-chromatographic approach with electron-capture detection is presented and applied to model samples and real-world historic paper material. Trifluoroacetic anhydride was used for derivatization of the chromophore target compounds. The derivative formation was confirmed by NMR and accurate mass analysis. The method successfully detects and quantifies hydroxyquinones which are key chromophores in cellulosic matrices. The analytical figures of merit appeared to be in an acceptable range with an LOD down to approx. 60 ng/g for each key chromophore, which allows for their successful detection in historic sample material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous cleaning of ancient paper samples is a common treatment for the removal of degradation products, external contaminants and salts, which can cause degradation of cellulose by hydrolysis or oxidation processes. The present study examined the influence of selected cleaning treatments on chemical properties of some historical paper samples and studying the efficiency of cleaning methods in removing of degradation products. It also investigated the effects of five different cleaning treatments, namely immersion in deionized water, akapad paper sponge, hydro gellan gum, Cellulose nano Crystal gel and cleaning with wolbers solvent gels on ancient cellulosic paper supports. In particular, the effect of the cleaning treatments on different properties of cellulosic paper supports, namely colorimetric properties (CIE L*a*b* coordinates), crystallinity index (X-Ray diffraction), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and pH (cold-extraction method), were investigated. The study concluded that all cleaning treatments affected the colorimetric properties of the selected paper samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historical papers are often locally damaged by exogenous influences and/or have endogenously degraded paper areas. The stabilization of such papers is very important because further use of the object can cause additional damage. Different types of nanocellulose are interesting as a novel stabilizing materials for paper due to their close structural relation to the paper matrix. Therefore, the present study investigated whether the treatment of historical papers with nanocellulose suspensions is a novel method for paper stabilization. Two different types of nanocelluloses, bacterial cellulose and a mechanically nanofibrillated cellulose based on wood pulp, were tested with regard to their performance in stabilizing fragile papers. Concerning material handling and application in conservation steps, different ways to modify the suspensions were tested. The resulting suspensions were applied to historical papers from several centuries with different extents of damage. The paper-nanocellulose composites were characterized with regard to their optical and microscopic integrity and by physical and chemical analyses. The treatment of mechanical damage and the consolidation of weakened paper areas could be realized by the application of a nanocellulose suspension without an additional adhesive. The results of the treatment depend on the type of nanocellulose, on the paper material, on processing and application techniques. The paper discusses the applicability and stability of the differently prepared nanocellulose suspensions, also with regard to their mode of application and long-term performance. Advantages and limitations are addressed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disinfection methods commonly used in paper conservation are employed to disinfect silver gelatin prints, but their influence on individual photographic layers is little understood. In this paper, we examine the effect of disinfection methods on the optical properties of the two layers of black and white silver gelatin prints: an image layer with a photosensitive substance dispersed in gelatin and a paper support layer with baryta coating. Three methods of disinfection were used: disinfection by γ-radiation, by ethylene oxide and by butanol vapors. Optical properties (total colour difference, UV-VIS reflectance) were measured after disinfection and again after subsequent artificial aging by moist heat and by light. The optical properties of the photographic image and paper support remained unchanged after disinfection in butanol vapors, which suggests that this is a promising disinfection method for silver gelatin photographic prints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clotrimazole is a well-known antimycotic agent, listed in the World Health Organization List of essential medicines, with minimal health side effects acknowledged throughout a long certification period. In this study, clotrimazole in isopropanol was tested as a potential antifungal treatment for paper objects. The antifungal properties of this azole compound were evaluated against five of the most common fungal species affecting paper collections. The addition of a deacidifying agent, calcium hydroxide nanoparticles, resulted in a multipurpose formulation also aimed at neutralizing the deleterious effects of acids excreted by fungi. Clotrimazole showed antifungal activity against all tested fungal species and its effectiveness followed the ascending order: Chaetomium globosum < Cladosporium cladosporioides < Penicillium chrysogenum < Aspergillus niger < Penicillium corylophilum . The best relationship between minimal concentration and fungal inhibition was achieved for 0.05% clotrimazole. The impact of the tested formulation on paper preservation was evaluated in terms of pH, colour and folding endurance, using moist heat artificial ageing. Clotrimazole and calcium hydroxide nanoparticles protected the paper from acidification and loss of folding endurance in the long term, thus representing a non-aqueous alternative treatment for paper affected by fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite substantial literature on the dyeing of textiles, there is a lack of research about colouring Japanese mending papers (tissue papers) used for paper conservation purposes. This study investigates the fungal bioreceptivity of Japanese tissue papers after they have been treated with various dyes and pigments. A variety of toning materials including plant dyes, watercolours, acrylic paints, inks, pastels, gouaches, and colour pencils are commonly used by conservators for paper toning purposes. In this study, two Japanese tissue papers (Yukyu-shiandSekishu Mare) were treated with selected plant dyes, watercolours, and acrylic paints and then inoculated with fungal species. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to quantify the DNA fromAspergillus nigerandPenicillium rubrumas a proxy for fungal species abundance before and after inoculation and artificial moist heat ageing. qPCR primers which were universal for fungi amplified DNA from papers inoculated withA. nigerandP. rubrumand these species were found to grow less on treatedSekishu MareandYukyu-shipapers compared with untreated papers.Sekishu Marepapers treated with artists' acrylic paints were found to be more resistant to fungal growth than similarly treatedYukyu-shipapers. This study suggests that for the best long-term preservation outcomes for paper materials in archives, libraries, galleries, and museums, acrylic paints generally perform better in conservation terms than most plant dyes and watercolours, although most colourants displayed some bioinhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In paper conservation ethanol is used as an antifungal agent. However, information on the antifungal efficacy of this alcohol is scarce and often inconsistent. In this study, we clarify if ethanol is effective and safe to use in paper conservation in the short as well as in the long term. None of the tested ethanol concentrations (5–100%) promoted conidia germination, but rather delayed or entirely inhibited it, depending on alcohol concentration and contact time. In a simulation of an interventive treatment of samples colonized by fungi, all the tested ethanolic solutions (30, 70, and 100%) revealed antifungal activity. The best results were obtained with 70% ethanol, showing fungicidal properties on four of the five-tested fungal species (Aspergillus niger,Cladosporium cladosporioides,Penicillium chrysogenum, andPenicillium corylophilum). No deleterious effects of 70% ethanol on the tested paper were observed either in the short or in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Cellulose paper degradation products forming in the 'tideline' area at the wet-dry interface of pure cellulose paper were analyzed using gas chromatography-electron ionization-mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS) and high-resolution electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS, LTQ Orbitrap) techniques. Different extraction protocols were employed in order to solubilize the products of oxidative cellulose decomposition, i.e., a direct solvent extraction or a more laborious chromophore release and identification (CRI) technique aiming to reveal products responsible for paper discoloration in the tideline area. Several groups of low molecular weight compounds were identified, suggesting a complex pathway of cellulose decomposition in the tidelines formed at the cellulose-water-oxygen interface. Our findings, namely the appearance of a wide range of linear saturated carboxylic acids (from formic to nonanoic), support the oxidative autocatalytic mechanism of decomposition. In addition, the identification of several furanic compounds (which can be, in part, responsible for paper discoloration) plus anhydro carbohydrate derivatives sheds more light on the pathways of cellulose decomposition. Most notably, the mechanisms of tideline formation in the presence of molecular oxygen appear surprisingly similar to pathways of pyrolytic cellulose degradation. More complex chromophore compounds were not detected in this study, thereby revealing a difference between this short-term tideline experiment and longer-term cellulose aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We suggest a method to identify the suitability of a chosen indoor environment for paper material conservation in historical libraries. Our approach is based on two steps: numerical simulation for solving the air velocity, moisture and temperature fields, and then post-processing indexes evaluation to assess how the indoor microclimatic conditions can be favourable or not to the growth and development of microorganisms responsible for paper deterioration. A real case study was analysed in two different conditions: one the present situation and the other proposed by the authors with a HVAC system assuring controlled air temperature and RH levels. Numerical models, validated by experimental data published in previous works, were used to carry out microclimatic results. Starting from these results, some indexes suggested by the scientific literature were computed to check the suitability of the indoor environment for preserving a library heritage. Boolean parameters were also deduced from the combination of microclimatic factors favouring the growth of microorganisms responsible for paper material deterioration. Our research can provide a methodological approach that predictively allows one to know when, where and how the processes responsible for indoor microorganism activity can find the microclimatic conditions for their kick-off and triggering, and then their areas of potential growth. The proposed method highlights the main causes of the deterioration processes connected to building thermo-physics. Simulation results turned out to be a fundamental approach to identify the risky zones and potential areas of triggering deterioration processes of all the materials present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to determine the degree of implementation at the international level of the various paper conservation methods found in the literature. Participating organizations in the survey mainly include national libraries, archives and museums, practicing paper conservation. The results of the survey indicate that the types of objects treated by the majority of the participating organizations consist mainly of manuscripts, archival material, books, maps, topographical drawings and photographic material. The vast majority of the organizations implement at least one of the methods associated with every distinct category of paper conservation methods. Nevertheless, only a limited number of methods per category/step are popular and are implemented to a noteworthy degree. Organizations tend to avoid the extensive usage of chemicals, and apply simple and well-established methods, such as dry cleaning, washing in water, deacidification with calcium hydroxide and paper mending with Japanese paper and paste, instead of complex conservation methods. The results indicate that several deprecated methods are still in use, especially for bleaching. Finally, the wide implementation of many methods that appear to be in use according to the literature review is not documented by the survey results. The three answers with the highest percentages per paper conservation category/subcategory are presented in table form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computers and other digital communication media have replaced paper and pencil from the writer's desk. This development has confronted special collections with a problem, as digital papers are difficult to process using established digital preservation strategies, because of their individual and unique nature. According to the proposal suggested in this paper, the creators should instead be involved in the preservation process, and special collections should integrate pre-custodial forms of curation within their range of tasks. The article outlines the use of a cloud architecture as a suitable instrument for accomplishing this task. The benefits and the prospects for such a collection cloud are exposed and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper ions and acids lead to enhanced degradation of the paper carrier. Stabilization treatment of documents with pigments such as verdigris and malachite should therefore include addition of alkalis to combat acid hydrolysis of cellulose and antioxidants to retard oxidative degradation catalysed by copper ions. The paper reviews present approaches for stabilisation of green copper pigments. Furthermore, two recently proposed treatments containing tetraalkylammonium bromide antioxidants and alkali are evaluated. The first treatment is based on interleaving of paper samples containing malachite or verdigris pigments with papers, impregnated with alkaline buffer and antioxidant at elevated relative humidity and applied pressure. The second one is based on the use of non-aqueous suspensions of nano calcium carbonate and/or magnesium oxide particles and tetrabutylammonium or tetrapropylammonium bromide. Size exclusion chromatography is used to monitor the extent of degradation of samples during accelerated ageing, while colour changes of pigments are determined using colourimetry. Results demonstrate that effective stabilization of paper samples can be achieved with tetrabutylammonium bromide and calcium carbonate containing interleaves at 90% RH. When non-aqueous immersion treatment is applied, tetrabutylammonium bromide at a concentration 0.09 M in combination with calcium carbonate nano particles had the most beneficial effect on the paper as well as on the colour of the copper based pigments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ionic fixatives Rewin® EL and Mesitol® NBS are in established use to prevent bleeding of water-sensitive media during aqueous treatment. Their single or combined application varies among practitioners, also with regard to the inclusion and intensity of any subsequent rinsing. Lack of rinsing and local fixative applications are known to risk paper discolouration. The function of aqueous rinsing subsequent to fixative application was studied on Whatman filter paper samples treated with fixative solutions of Mesitol® NBS, Rewin® EL or the Bückeburg fixative solution, which is a suspension of both. After artificial ageing, the samples were analysed as follows: discolouration formation via CIELAB measurement; cellulose damage via molar mass (Mw) and carbonyl group content; alteration of the paper's electrostatic charge via dye colouration; quantification of fixative residues via gravimetry, polyelectrolyte extraction and IR spectroscopy. Results on treated and artificially aged papers show that rinsing is of great importance for diminishing the residue and thereby any negative effect of remaining fixatives discolouration formation, Mw loss and carbonyl group increase. Papers treated with Rewin® EL and the Rewin® EL-containing Bückeburg fixative solution showed these effects significantly. Mesitol® NBS seemed to have no negative, and may have a positive effect on the studied paper ageing properties. One 15-min aqueous rinse was the minimum required, three 10-min rinses were effective in maximising the fixative removal from Whatman filter paper, which is crucial to prevent undesired side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper is often damaged by ink or pigments containing transition metal ions. Damage of Kozo paper (a kind of Japanese paper) caused by iron ions from Prussian blue pigments (iron ferrocyanide) or by the acidity of dilute sulfuric acid during artificial ageing was studied. The degradation induced by iron ions is suggested to be a synergistic process consisting of hydrolytic and oxidative reactions. The degradation state of the cellulose polymer in Kozo paper was investigated using fluorescence labeling of carbonyl and carboxyl groups in combination with gel permeation chromatography-multiple-angle laser light scattering. In addition to cellulose, Kozo paper contains a relatively large amount of hemicellulose, which was characterized by determination of uronic acid and neutral carbohydrates. The amount of carboxyl groups in Kozo paper decreased during ageing. A decrease in the amount of uronic acid originating from the hemicellulose in Kozo paper is considered the dominant factor in the observed decrease of total carboxyl contents, even if the oxidative reaction would increase the number of carboxyl groups. The amount of uronic acid and xylose in hemicellulose was influenced by iron ions during ageing, indicating the decomposition of hemicellulose. This result suggested that the hemicellulose in Kozo paper were affected first and prevented the hydrolytic and oxidative degradation of cellulose, which might enable Kozo paper to last longer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) is a technique devoted to the identification and characterization of paramagnetic species, i.e. chemical species with unpaired electrons. Very common paramagnetic species which can be detected through EPR in historic paper are Fe(III), Mn(II), Cu(II) ions and radicals, where Fe(III), Cu(II) and radicals play a relevant role in paper degradation. Specifically, Fe(III) is almost ubiquitous in historic paper. Here we propose an overview of the EPR signals in historic and artificially aged paper, and in particular, we would like to show how a deep analysis of EPR signals from paper could provide useful information about the paper's origin and unique indications of the degradation and oxidation level of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic experimental study applying nanosecond laser pulses with 532 nm radiation to a specially selected set of historical paper samples exhibiting a broad range of composition and origin was undertaken to develop a quantitative irradiation dose model. This allows the optimisation of laser pulse number and fluence in order to maximise cleaning efficiency while excluding substrate modifications such as yellowing or destruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brittleness, discolouration, translucency, and solvent sensitivity are a few of the factors that need consideration when conserving transparent papers. These considerations coupled with the large format and the volume of transparent papers in collections makes effective preservation planning difficult. To address this problem a project was initiated to improve the standard of preservation for transparent papers in The National Archives’ collections. The significant outcomes of this one year project were a framework for preservation decision-making, and complementary tools designed to gather information to support better planning and treatment. The tools include survey questionnaires, a condition rating scale, a colour rating scale, and a database to capture information about the condition and types of transparent papers held by The National Archives. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Removal of tenacious adhesives is one of the major challenges in paper conservation. This article examines what water-resistant adhesives were used from 1870 to 1920 and comments on the implications of these findings to the practising paper conservator. Water-resistant formulations were found to be more likely to contain animal glue and linseed oil as binders. Other non-water-soluble binders, such as plant resins, shellac, gutta-percha and casein, were also used, as were mixtures of starch or flour paste with animal glue. A variety of chemical hardeners were employed, including tannic acid, formaldehyde and alum. The addition of substances containing multivalent metals such as copper, lead, calcium and aluminium may also have had a hardening effect, though they may not have been added for this reason. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using only non-destructive analysis [spectrophotometry, pH determination using agarose gel, infrared spectroscopy including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray fluorescence (XRF), gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS)], this study investigated two copies of an early seventeenth century printed book that exhibited severe browning of only one section, the same in each. The results indicated that the browned gatherings had elevated levels of iron, which is known to cause cellulose degradation. The pH between the normal and browned papers was not statistically different as measured but FTIR results confirmed that the browned paper was more degraded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of studies on the deacidification of model papers (Whatman) using nanodispersions of magnesium hydroxide in 2-propanol. Preliminary experiments showed greater effectiveness of nanodispersion deacidification in comparison with the standard magnesium hydroxide reagent which was applied in the form of micrometric particles. Further analyses compared the effectiveness of deacidification by washing, spraying and brushing. Although all of the tested methods caused an increase in the pH of paper water extracts, the assays of magnesium contents using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy with an Energy Dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM-EDX) showed greatest effectiveness of deacidification by washing. Dispersion spraying requires repetition of the operation at least three times in order to provide an effect that would be comparable with that of washing. Brushing seems to be a less effective method of magnesium hydroxide application to paper. When comparing uniformity of magnesium application on the surface of the paper samples (mapping, SEM-EDX), it was found that the deacidifier was distributed more uniformly when sprayed than in the case of washing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the role of paper lining in conservation and mounting of East Asian paintings. Topics include details on the weak materials of paper and silk and their use in paintings, details on the various available methods of paper lining, the role of paper lining in providing support to a painting by reinforcing its silk or paper substrate, details on the different papers used in lining techniques, details on the different adhesives used in lining such as wheat starch paste, and details on Chinese style lining.

The article looks at the conservation work done on three items of Chinese export art, paintings on pith paper. It describes the deterioration the works had suffered caused by the glue used to adhere them to a backing as well as by age and likely less-than-optimal care in storage. It outlines the work done on them, including the use of trypsin in agarose to remove animal glue and of the emulsifier Abil EM120 and cyclomethicone to reduce glue and dirt stains. Problems in the use of water-based treatments on pith paper are discussed.

The article looks at the conservation and restoration of ten Chinese rectangular stone rubbings on paper in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England. It notes that each of the rubbings depicts a dignitary of the Ming dynasty period along with a brief text about him. It describes the work done on the rubbings, including the removal of the Western paper on which they had been mounted and remounting on silk. It also offers a general explanation of traditional Chinese rubbing techniques, including the treatment of xuan paper with various substances prior to the application of ink.

Paper biodeterioration by fungi has always been a concern in archives, libraries and museums. Several guidelines have been published regarding the prevention of fungal development in paper collections and recovery of affected objects, but what is actually being implemented from the literature by worldwide paper and book conservators? How common is this type of biodeterioration? What needs to be further studied? In order to access this information we conducted an online international questionnaire with participants from 20 different countries. The results show that fungal biodeterioration is highly common in paper collections. All of the respondents already had to deal with paper deteriorated by fungi, and although the vast majority uses active measures to prevent fungal development, most of them have already experienced active fungal infestations. The mainly used preventive measures are the ones concerned with the control of the environmental conditions in storage and display rooms. Drying the affected paper objects and applying 70% ethanol are the most preferred options to stop active fungal growth. The study of non-toxic and safer antifungals is considered here as the most relevant research topic in the area of paper biodeterioration by fungi, meaning that the options currently available are not totally satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of the specific research of identical incunabula on a long-term basis deposit in different environmental conditions were to find out to what degree the different quality of ambient air was reflected in degradation of paper. The Selection of identical incunabula from the collections of the National Library in Prague, the South Bohemia Research Library in Ceske Budejovice and the library of the Regional Museum in Teplice, was performed according to the Incunabula Short Title Catalogue database, in which an unique numeric identifier of the bibliographic record ISTC is assigned to each of the publications, which enables to interconnect all preserved copies. SurveNIR measuring system was used for comparison of naturally aged paper, in view of investigation of effects of dust particles and gaseous pollutants on historical paper, attention was paid also to protective elements and damages of bookbinding. All recorded data - outputs of spectrometry measurements of mechanical and chemical properties of paper, microscopic snapshots of the analyzed places, and photographic documentation, are deposited in ResIS (Restoration Information System). No verifiable correspondence between degree of damage of historical paper and closeness of book block was found, it was evident from the results of measurement that sub-micron dust particles are able to permeate even among sheets of the book block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe trial production and evaluation of model papers deliberately discoloured in a controlled and reproducible manner during manufacture using modern water-soluble synthetic and natural dyes. The intention was to produce papers in the quantities required to serve as material for research, familiarisation and training in conservation. In the initial evaluation it was possible to demonstrate disparate responses to water by thin, low-grammage, and thick, high-grammage papers and by hydrophilic and hydrophobic papers which in real objects present very different sets of risks and require different methods to mitigate the risks. The evaluation has shown potential of model papers with consistent structure, properties and staining in teaching and experimentation which exceeded the authors' original expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the behaviour of cellulose materials at low doses of ionizing radiation regained the interest because of the recent results showing that physical properties of the paper have less or no changes for absorbed doses below 10 kGy, despite the high decrease of the degree of polymerization. The understanding of the relationship among molecular, microscopic and macroscopic changes in cellulose materials may change the current opinion that irradiation of paper is not the best choice for conservation of cultural heritage. The aim of this study is to reveal the changes in gamma-irradiated pure cellulose paper by simultaneous TG/DSC analysis. For cellulose fibres, the thermal decomposition parameters depend on the cellulose degree of polymerization. For high irradiation doses, there is established a relationship between the absorbed dose and the degree of polymerization. However, a direct relationship between absorbed dose and the parameters of cellulose thermal decomposition for low irradiation doses was not established either in the literature or in our study. By using a peak separation technique, we studied the changes in the region of water loss (70-150 °C) and physical ageing (160-300 °C) for Whatman paper with low initial water content (<1 %), previously gamma irradiated at doses between 0 and 30 kGy. We concluded that strength of the hydrogen bond structure is increasing up to a point when the stress produces fractures in the fibrilar structure. This may explain the results reported for mechanical tests at low dose irradiation and it is in agreement with scanning electron microscopy pictures showing changes in fibril structure at high irradiation doses. Cellulose irradiated at low doses maintains its original hydrogen bond structure despite the decrease of the degree of polymerization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The theoretical background of the conservation cultural heritage has been based on ethical principles phrased in the past rather than on findings of materials science, as illustrated quite impressively in 2005 by the well-known conservator and art historian Salvador Muñoz Viñas. In spite of the fact that this imbalance causes numerous problems for use and evaluation of conservational interventions into the material substance of historic objects, history’s long due transition towards principles of material science is very hesitant. Unfortunately, conservation-restoration, which is eventually in charge of maintaining the material integrity of cultural goods, does not have a satisfying number of suitable instructional materials on a sufficiently scientific basis to live up to the material diversity and complexity of historic objects. This is particularly deplorable with specific respect to the German-speaking area, where the most recent publications in the art date back to about 30 years ago and no longer meet the requirements prevailing today. Nevertheless, or maybe precisely because the German-speaking conservation scene is still forced to follow “ancient” teaching tools, innovative changes in conservator training and a refurbishment of the current mentality continue to be difficult and slow. This paper will analyze historical instructional materials in the field of paper conservation and set out a variety of additional factors that influence the development of the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was planned to clarify the relationship between natural ageing and accelerated ageing of paper using naturally aged paper. First, samples of paper which had deteriorated over time for 130 to 80 years were artificially aged at 80°C, 65% RH, and their physical and chemical changes were investigated. Oxalic acid contained in the samples before accelerated ageing increased, while glycolic acid showed a tendency to decrease. This means that accelerated ageing test did not simulate the chemical processes occurring during natural ageing in a straight forward manner. On the other hand, paper in which many organic acids had accumulated by natural ageing showed larger degradation rate indicators of tear index and burst index i.e. initial degradation rate constant divided by initial tear index or initial burst index before accelerated ageing and discolouration rate. That of values of the degradation rate indicators of tear index and burst index and the discolouration rate showed good correlation with the number of cellulose chain breaks. However, the number of cellulose chain breaks is not simply correlated with the concentration of hydrogen ion which is an index of the acidic hydrolysis of paper. Oxidation contributes to the rate of cellulose chain breaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upon aging, paper documents and books become progressively damaged. Paper deacidification is a fundamental conservation intervention. In this study, we report on the use of nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) associated with hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) to inhibit acidification, photo-induced degradation, and biodeterioration of paper. With the aid of ultrasound, Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution can be obtained through homogeneous precipitation in water. Furthermore, to demonstrate the efficacy of the nanocomposite and the performance of treated and untreated paper, photo- and thermal-induced degradation is discussed. The results show that using the controlled double-jet precipitation (CDJP) it is possible to synthesize Mg(OH)2 particles with a narrow size distribution (18-87 nm). The nanocomposite of Mg(OH)2-TiO2-HEC increases the durability of paper by imparting fungal growth resistance (D= 34.6 mm), moderate alkalinity (pH = 8.4), mechanical reinforcement (from 817-896 N/m), and UV protection. Additionally, there is a slight color difference (ΔE* = 0.8) between the treated and untreated paper. Both photodegradation and thermal degradation indicate that the paper treated with this nanocomposite (Mg(OH)2-TiO-HEC) has increased stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Since its invention, paper has become one of the main carriers of our cultural, scientific, political, economic and historical information. Given the importance of this material, its preservation is a matter of great interest. Paper can be deteriorated due to physical, chemical and biological agents. Within microorganisms, fungi are the major paper biodeteriogens. Throughout history, several methods have been used to prevent and stop fungal deterioration on paper based materials. In this work we present a review of the main chemical and physical methods used to avoid fungal paper biodeterioration until nowadays and also of some new approaches tested recently. The advantages and disadvantages of these methods are discussed as well as their health effects. Studies regarding antifungal compositions, methods of application, performance and effects on the treated materials are also presented with the aim of providing a clear set of conclusions on the topic. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

With the aim of developing a new easy-to-use method for rescuing flood-damaged paper, the effect of saltwater on the inhibition of fungal growth on paper was investigated. This procedure could be used instead of, or assisted by freeze drying. Cellulose-digesting Trichoderma reesei, three types of fungi representative of fungi growing on paper (T. reesei, Aspergillus terreus, and Aureobasidium pullulans) and various naturally airborne fungi were cultured on cellulosic materials in liquid media containing artificial seawater with different salt concentrations. The addition of salts successfully inhibited the growth of T reesei on microcrystalline cellulose at the concentration of 3.2% (m/m) or higher. The critical salt concentration, 3.2%, is within the general range of salt content in seawater. Other solutions of salts similar to sodium chloride also inhibited fungal growth. Although the observed growth-inhibiting effect was attributed to the high osmotic pressure of the salt solution, physiological effects depending on ion species used were also considered to be possible. The growth of all three types of fungi on copy paper was inhibited effectively when the salt concentration was increased. The growth of various fungi on pure cellulose, with enough oxygen supplied to pores, was completely inhibited (as assessed by visual examination) for 24 days at salt concentrations of 3.5% (m/m) or greater. The fact that the effect of saltwater on cellulosic materials was observed even under optimum medium conditions implies that fungi would be considerably inhibited on flood-damaged paper immersed in saltwater. This method is a promising first aid measure when circumstances do not allow for flood-damaged paper to be dried immediately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a treatment for paper made from wood-pulp being stored in library and archive collections intended to slow deterioration. It comments on the process and benefits of the process, including removing soluble acidic products, preventing decay caused by oxidization, and increasing the mechanical strength of the paper itself. The authors note the historical and social importance of preserving historic documents.

The article discusses analysis of the long term efficacy of mass deacidification of library books as it relates to alkaline reserve. It comments on the difficulties of accurately determining alkaline reserve and identifies book age and specific deacidification processes and the main factors influencing treatment efficacy. Other topics include the Papersave process to determine alkaline reserve, long term stability of cellulose in paper, and assessing alkaline reserve through titration.

The article presents a study on the rolling test method which is used to evaluate paper deterioration. The study analyzes the correlation between the rolling test and conventional mechanical measurements using paper samples of varying levels of degradation, which are rolled using cylinders of different diameters. The results reveal that samples from the second half of the 1800s are less flexible than samples from other periods, and that groundwood pulp is a potential cause of the deterioration.

The article deals with problems of papers degradation by reason of acidity with reference to the legal duty of libraries to preserve papers funds for the future generations. In lots of efforts to protect its collections, the Moravian library study all the preservative technology including of the mass deacidification technology. The merit of this text is a summarization of project efforts of the Moravian library and the National archives make up the papers protection to deacidification technology in the Czech Republic. The article warms that the acidity of paper research and its conservation depends fully on political environment and the sufficient financial resources. In short there is technique demonstrated that was considered as a purchase for libraries and archives in the Czech Republic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Paper degradation has been studied extensively over the past few decades from both the conservation and the material science perspectives. This review focuses on the quantifiable impacts of the environment and material composition, from the viewpoint of long-term storage of historic paper-based collections. Therefore, temperature, relative humidity and their variation, and pollution are of major interest while photoinitiated processes are covered only briefly. New experiments comparing the effects of the most abundant indoor pollutants (NO2, acetic acid and formaldehyde) and the effects of fluctuating temperature and relative humidity are also presented as part of the discussion. This work highlights the need for revision of the existing dose–response (damage) functions for paper and their further development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A photograph may be lined when its physical condition is so poor that an additional support is necessary to ensure its survival. Photographic prints may comprise a number of layers, often composed of dissimilar materials that react differently to moisture. As most traditional lining methods involve the use of water, lining can thus cause stresses within and between the various layers. These stresses are thought to exhibit as increased cracking of binder layers and increased curling of the photograph itself. This paper reviews the literature to date regarding the lining of photographs and examines possible future treatment pathways. From the literature, it would appear that the question of how best to line traditional photographic formats, such as albumen, collodion and silver gelatin prints, has not yet been answered. Standard water-based lining adhesives can cause damage to various types of traditional photographs. Heat and solvent-activated adhesives can also cause damage; however, they may allow better control over the physical changes that occur within some types of photographs during treatment. Further investigation of non-traditional adhesives for paper (e.g. waxes and synthetic polymers) is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Several procedures for conservation treatment were comparatively studied for degraded “Suga-fibres” made of raw silk fibres dyed black. Two traditional methods, (1) neutralization with magnesium bicarbonate, and (2) antioxidant treatment with phytic acid, originally used for paper preservation, were tried for the conservation of Suga-fibres. The influences of a single treatment, or a combination of neutralization and antioxidant treatments, for the model fibres on their tensile strength were investigated under conditions of high humidity at high temperature before and after the accelerated aging test. The effect of the novel antioxidant cysteine on the fibre degradation was also examined. For the single treatments, the neutralization with magnesium bicarbonate retarded the degradation of higher iron-content iron (20%)/tannate-silk fibre, while the antioxidant with phytic acid treatment most effectively prevented the degradation of lower iron-content iron (2%)/tannate-silk fibre. This may be due to the different acidity in iron/tannate-silk fibres, and thus the degradation of iron (2%)/tannate-silk fibre would be caused by iron-catalyzed oxidation rather than acid-catalyzed hydrolysis because of its lower acidity. Among antioxidant treatments, cysteine more effectively retarded the degradation of the iron (20%)/tannate-silk fibre, while in the case of the iron (2%)/tannate-silk fibre, phytic acid more effectively conserved its strength and breaking strain. The result suggests that the thiol group of cysteine coordinates with an excess of ferrous ions in the iron (20%)/tannate-silk fibre and quenches the production of hydrogen peroxide. This study demonstrated that phytic acid, cysteine and magnesium bicarbonate treatments are useful as effective reagents for the conservation treatment of black-dyed textiles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

El artículo enfoca en la conservación de elementos arqueológicos de papel y textiles encontrados durante una investigación arqueológica del Templo Mayor, en la Ciudad de México, México. La autor considera las características de materiales orgánicos hallados en contexto arqueológicos y describe los tratamientos empleados para su conservación.

The purpose of this exploratory study is to determine whether the common conservation technique of washing results in distortion or elimination of microstamps on various types of paper. The study concludes that the common practice of immersing pages in water to help remove dirt and lessen stains could distort security stamps applied to certain types of paper. The significance of the study is to create awareness among special collections or rare book departments of the need to reapply a security stamp for certain types of paper after conservation treatment and to recommend further research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper, like all other cultural heritage materials, degrades over time, but conservation slows down the rate of its deterioration. There is a long history of cooperation between microbiologists and conservators of libraries and archival materials, but current approaches addressing paper deterioration need urgent reassessment to take full advantage of modern microbiological methodologies. The present article discusses what we believe are the current priority research areas in assessing microbial risk to paper heritage, and reports studies on a 13th century Italian manuscript and on Leonardo da Vinci''s Atlantic Codex which illustrate the problems and challenges encountered when dealing with microbial investigations of paper artworks. The potential of using a more advanced microbiological approach is highlighted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose - This paper aims to provide a theoretical guide for preserving ancient books in China. Design/methodology/approach - The paper reviews the history of the damage and preservation of ancient books in China, and analyzes the value attributes of ancient books: archaeological value, historical value and artistic value. Findings - The paper proposes a preservation framework for Chinese ancient books. This framework is composed of three layers. The foundation layer is to preserve the physical entity of ancient books so that the archaeological values are preserved. The middle layer is to preserve the intellectual content of ancient books so that the values for historical research are preserved. The top layer is mainly about preserving the productions process of the artistic format of ancient books, so that not only the static artistic formats are preserved, the techniques and procedures to produce the artistic format are preserved as well. Originality/value - The paper presents a framework that connects the value attributes of ancient books and the strategies to preserve those values, systematizes them and presents them as a whole. The framework can be used to justify government policies and help identify pitfalls in the preservation strategies for ancient books. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]