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This work presents the results of a transdisciplinary analysis performed on Harward's Almanac (Dublin, 1666), an extremely rare volume currently housed in the National Library of Ireland. The uniqueness and historical value of the Almanac is related to the presence of nineteen handwritten poems, entered by an anonymous scribe. These record textually important English clandestine satire circulating anonymously in Dublin in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth century. Following a comprehensive historical assessment, it appeared evident that the current order of leaves was incorrect. To reconstruct the correct order of the leaves, and hence the likely sequence in which the manuscript poems were inscribed, this study employed a codicological/paleographic analysis complemented by analytical (X-ray fluorescence, XRF) and statistical (Self Organizing Map, SOM) investigation. Specifically, point XRF analysis was carried out for each handwritten page of the Almanac, allowing identification of ink elemental compositions (iron-based ink) and successfully supporting the validity of historical hypotheses on the poems' order of inscription. The statistical organization of XRF data by SOMs allowed easy bi-dimensional visualization of the data set (54 points) and identification of ink similarities, once more validating the historical assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-fibre ancient-books with cultural significance should be protected from moisture and pollution. In this work, a strategy of surface in-situ protection (building composite coating) was adopted to achieve good hydrophobicity, moisture-proofness and ink-contamination resistance at the surface of archaistic paper. By pre-ring opening of epoxy-based poly(vinyl silsesquioxane) (POSS) and spray of POSS/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) mixed solution, in-situ construction of POSS/PVDF composite coating at the surface of ancient paper was achieved. Compared to water-absorbing ancient paper, POSS/PVDF co-modified ancient paper shows strong humidity resistance. The surface of co-modified ancient paper (epoxy-group pre-ring opening for 45 min) displays high hydrophobicity (water contact angle of ~142.6°), ascribed to greatly improved surface roughness of paper fibres as well as complete coverage of high-content Si/F elements on fibre surface. POSS-modified and neat ancient-paper materials show surface water contact angles of ~113.9° and 0°, respectively. Robust ink-resistance of POSS/PVDF co-modified ancient-paper surface is realized. The innovation in this work lies in perfect synergy of cage-shaped POSS and threadlike PVDF in coating. This work might open a way for surface nondestructive-protection to ancient-books for damp-proof, hydrophobic and anti-fouling characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of paper-based flexible electronic devices can reduce the use of traditional petroleum-based polymer substrates, thereby reducing environmental pollution. However, paper substrates tend to absorb moisture, which would degrade the performance of electronic devices. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) films were proposed as coatings for the paper substrate to improve the hydrophobic performance of the paper, thereby enhancing the stability of paper-based device. Hydrophobic PTFE films were deposited on both sides of the paper substrate using electron beam evaporation, which block the paper substrate from absorbing moisture. The zinc oxide (ZnO) film was sputtered onto the paper substrate and fabricated into ultraviolet photodetectors (UVPD). Numerical simulations show that the introduction of PTFE films can greatly reduce the stress from 3.21 × 109 N m−2 to 3.50 × 107 N m−2 in the ZnO epitaxial layer on the paper substrate. The stability and detectivity of the UVPD with PTFE coatings are greatly improved compared to that without PTFE coatings, providing a promising avenue for fabricating stable, superior, and sustainable paper-based electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a simple and low-cost colorimetric method based on Fe(III) chloride and potassium hexacyanoferrate(III) for determination of acetaminophen, ascorbic acid and phenylephrine, which can be used in small laboratories using restricted materials and resources. A paper based sensor using the reagent was introduced. Significance of different variables in determination of drugs were studied by Placket-Burman design and optimal values for concentration of hydrochloric acid, Fe(III) chloride and potassium hexacyano ferrate(III), 0.01 M, 0.004 M and 0.004 M, respectively were obtained. Without using any sophisticated instrument and only by image analysis the concentration of acetaminophen, ascorbic acid and phenylephrine was determined in pharmaceutical samples. In this way we were able to determine by analyzing the final color of the reactions. The linear range in ppm for all the analytes was obtained as 0.00–50.00 and limit of detection of 2.52, 2.48 and 2.48 were obtained for acetaminophen, ascorbic acid and phenylephrine, respectively. Percent relative standard deviation (RSD %) and percent relative error (RE %) of the proposed method for analysis of real samples of acetaminophen tablet were 4.77 and 7.64, ascorbic acid tablet, 4.73 and 1.41, and phenylephrine syrup, 2.44 and − 1.61, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study applied various scientific analyses to one fragment of paper and three pigments excavated from earthenware found in the Hoeamsa Temple site at Yangju, Korea, which is believed to have been built in the early twelfth century. Radiocarbon dating of the paper fragment suggests a manufacture date between 1460 and 1646 (at a 95% confidence interval). It was estimated to have been used during the early and middle period of the Joseon dynasty (1391–1776), when the Hoeamsa Temple site was rebuilt. In addition, by staining the fiber of the paper fragment with Graff "C" stain, the paper's raw material was identified as paper mulberry through dislocation, cross-marking, and transparent membrane, which are characteristics of the bast fiber. Efforts were made to identify their material properties and manufacturing techniques of the three types of pigments. Color difference analysis was performed by distributing the pigments in large areas to reveal characteristic differences according to the color difference of the pigment. We found that green-type pigments are malachite and atacamite, red-type pigments are hematite based on the element Fe, and white-type pigments are quartz and muscovite based on the elements Si and Al. In addition, as the size distribution of the three types of pigments is wide and has a multi-peak distribution curve, it was concluded that the pigments were used without purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study applied various scientific analyses to one fragment of paper and three pigments excavated from earthenware found in the Hoeamsa Temple site at Yangju, Korea, which is believed to have been built in the early twelfth century. Radiocarbon dating of the paper fragment suggests a manufacture date between 1460 and 1646 (at a 95% confidence interval). It was estimated to have been used during the early and middle period of the Joseon dynasty (1391–1776), when the Hoeamsa Temple site was rebuilt. In addition, by staining the fiber of the paper fragment with Graff "C" stain, the paper's raw material was identified as paper mulberry through dislocation, cross-marking, and transparent membrane, which are characteristics of the bast fiber. Efforts were made to identify their material properties and manufacturing techniques of the three types of pigments. Color difference analysis was performed by distributing the pigments in large areas to reveal characteristic differences according to the color difference of the pigment. We found that green-type pigments are malachite and atacamite, red-type pigments are hematite based on the element Fe, and white-type pigments are quartz and muscovite based on the elements Si and Al. In addition, as the size distribution of the three types of pigments is wide and has a multi-peak distribution curve, it was concluded that the pigments were used without purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of bipolar and driving electrodes materials and also the electrolyte conductivity on the required potential for the beginning of the water electrolysis in the paper-based closed cell bipolar electrochemistry is investigated. The importance of the electrode material is studied by placement of various carbon paste mixtures as an electrode on the paper. Carbon paste mixtures are prepared with different carbon allotropes and various binders such as paraffin and ionic liquids. The effect of hydrophobicity, conductivity, and presence of common additives such as gold nanoparticle is discussed in detail. The role of electrolyte conductivity on the needed ∆E for water electrolysis initialization is investigated. It has been proved that even in the absence of ionic current in the closed bipolar setups, electrolyte conductivity can be effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study applied various scientific analyses to one fragment of paper and three pigments excavated from earthenware found in the Hoeamsa Temple site at Yangju, Korea, which is believed to have been built in the early twelfth century. Radiocarbon dating of the paper fragment suggests a manufacture date between 1460 and 1646 (at a 95% confidence interval). It was estimated to have been used during the early and middle period of the Joseon dynasty (1391–1776), when the Hoeamsa Temple site was rebuilt. In addition, by staining the fiber of the paper fragment with Graff "C" stain, the paper's raw material was identified as paper mulberry through dislocation, cross-marking, and transparent membrane, which are characteristics of the bast fiber. Efforts were made to identify their material properties and manufacturing techniques of the three types of pigments. Color difference analysis was performed by distributing the pigments in large areas to reveal characteristic differences according to the color difference of the pigment. We found that green-type pigments are malachite and atacamite, red-type pigments are hematite based on the element Fe, and white-type pigments are quartz and muscovite based on the elements Si and Al. In addition, as the size distribution of the three types of pigments is wide and has a multi-peak distribution curve, it was concluded that the pigments were used without purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presently synthesis of edible oil for resin formation and using scrap paper as reinforcement for composite fabrication is still not carried out. In this work, acrylate epoxidized mustard oil (AEMO) was used after blending with a crosslinker N-Vinyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NVP) to fabricate scrap paper reinforced green composites. Mustard oil (MO), Epoxidized mustard oil (EMO) and acrylate epoxidized mustard oil (AEMO) were characterized using iodine value, oxirane content, acid value, FTIR, NMR and viscosity properties. The composites were fabricated using 50:50 ratio of AEMO: NVP and paper loading of 15%, 30% and 60% along with the neat sample. With an increase in paper loading, there was a significant improvement in mechanical properties giving 158.9, 150, 233, 566.66 and 140% improvement in tensile, young's, flexural strength, flexural moduli and impact strength at 60% loading. The elongation at break showed a value of 20% due to the stiff nature of composite. Biodegradability testing proved an increase in weight loss of composite with time, recording the highest weight loss of 7% for 60% composite sample. Dimensional stability showed excellent result for the neat and lower loaded composite samples. Thermogravimetric and differential scanning colorimetry analysis indicated improvement in thermal stability with higher loading %. Morphological analysis confirmed excellent interfacial adhesion and bonding with higher paper loading %. Dynamic mechanical analysis demonstrated a significant rise in storage modulus (E') and loss modulus (E'') and decline in tan δ with broadening of the peak for maximum loading. Chemical resistance was poor for the highest loaded samples with respect to acids and bases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substance (PFAS) concentrations have been detected in agricultural soils in Southwest Germany. Discharges of PFAS-contaminated paper sludge and compost are suspected to be the cause of the contamination. Perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) have been detected also in groundwater, drinking water, and plants in this area. Recently, previously unknown compounds have been identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Major contaminants were polyfluorinated dialkylated phosphate esters (diPAPs) and N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamide ethanol–based phosphate diester (diSAmPAP). In this study, HRMS screening for PFAS was applied to 14 soil samples from the contaminated area and 14 impregnated paper samples which were from a similar period than the contamination. The paper samples were characterized by diPAPs (from 4:2/6:2 to 12:2/12:2), fluorotelomer mercapto alkyl phosphates (FTMAPs; 6:2/6:2 to 10:2/10:2), and diSAmPAP. In soil samples, diPAPs and their transformation products (TPs) were the major contaminants, but also FTMAPs, diSAmPAP, and their TPs occurred. The distribution patterns of the carbon chain lengths of the precursor PFAS in soil samples were shown to resemble those in paper samples. This supports the hypothesis that paper sludge is a major source of contamination. The presence of major degradation products like PFCAs, FTSAs, or PFOS and their distribution of carbon chain lengths indicate the activity of biotic or abiotic degradation processes and selective leaching processes from the upper soil horizons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) make up a significant proportion of the global burden of disease in vulnerable groups and tend to substantially impair the quality of life of those affected, making timely detection of UTIs a priority for public health. However, economic and societal barriers drastically reduce accessibility of traditional lab-based testing methods for critical patient groups in low-resource areas, negatively affecting their overall healthcare outcomes. As a result, cellulose-based materials such as paper and thread have garnered significant interest among researchers as substrates for so-called frugal analytical devices which leverage the material's portability and adaptability for facile and reproducible diagnoses of UTIs. Although the field may be only in its infancy, strategies aimed at commercial penetration can appreciably increase access to more healthcare options for at-risk people. In this review, we catalogue recent advances in devices that use cellulose-based materials as the primary housing or medium for UTI detection and chart out trends in the field. We also explore different modalities employed for detection, with particular emphasis on their ability to be ported onto discreet casings such as sanitary products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cleaning of particles from smooth and rough paper surfaces using a high-speed CO2 snow jet was investigated. The measurements included characterization of the jet properties, determination of the cleaning efficiency, and evaluation of any possible adverse effects. The method was compared with nitrogen jet cleaning and dry cleaning by commercial materials. The results showed that the CO2 snow jet is able to effectively remove particles from the paper surface and did not cause any observable degradation. The CO2 snow jet cleaning compared with the mechanical dry cleaning showed similar effectiveness without any adverse effects on the paper surface. It was proved that the CO2 snow technique is a suitable method for cleaning common types of paper materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron gall Inks corrosion causes paper degradation (browning, embrittlement) and treatments were developed to tackle this issue. They often include resizing with gelatin to reinforce the paper and its cellulosic fibers (of diameter approx. 10 µm). This work aimed at measuring the distribution of ink components at the scale of individual paper fibers so as to give a better understanding of the impact of gelatin (re-)sizing on iron gall ink corrosion. For this purpose, scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) was used at the Canadian light source synchrotron (CLS, Saskatoon). This technique combines nano-scale mapping (resolution of 30 nm) and near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) analysis. Fe L-edge measurements enabled to map iron distribution and to locate iron(II) and iron(III) rich areas. N K-edge measurement made it possible to map gelatin distribution. C K-edge measurements allowed mapping and discrimination of cellulose, gallic acid, iron gall ink precipitate and gelatin. Three fibers were studied: an inked fiber with no size, a sized fiber that was afterwards inked and an inked fiber sprayed with gelatin. Analysis of gelatin and ink ingredients distribution indicated a lower amount of iron inside the treated cellulosic fiber, which may explain the beneficial effect of gelatin on iron gall ink corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]