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• Gelatine and rosin-sized rag papers, rosin-sized chemical pulp and copy papers were identified. • The overall condition of the collection is "good", slightly damaged but stable. • Ferrous ions identified in 74 % of the manuscript inks but corrosion is not severe. • Papers from after 1840 exhibit lower pH and lower mechanical resistance. • Aqueous treatments should be avoided: manuscript inks of all periods are soluble in 0 % and 25 % alcohol. The Norwegian Sea Trade Archive (NST Archive) from the University of Bergen Library, Norway, is part of the UNESCO documentary heritage and contains unique documentation of the activity of companies that traded in stock fish in Norway and Europe (16th-20th century). The archive consists primarily of bound paper manuscripts written mostly in brown ink. We have surveyed this collection using a multi-analytical approach focused on the material characterization and condition of the paper carrier and inks. Our main aim was to support decision-making on establishing storage conditions, digitisation priorities, and type and extent of conservation treatments necessary to make the collection accessible. After a first visual examination to detect and quantify damages, for the paper support analysis we measured surface pH, paper thickness and water absorbency. Additionally, on a quarter of all tested materials, we performed a SurveNIR analysis, providing information regarding paper pulp type, lignin, protein and rosin content, degree of polymerization, and mechanical properties. The archival material was grouped into three periods characterising the three milestones in paper production: handmade gelatine-sized rag papers, machine-made rag papers with gelatine and rosin sizing, and papers made from processed wood pulp. Regarding the manuscripts' inks, we used iron and copper tests to determine the presence of Fe2, Cu2+ and Cu+ions, respectively. For the visual characterization and condition rating of the inks, we used the protocols described by the Netherlands Institute for Cultural Heritage. The variety of ink colours and thickness of the inked lines encountered in each document was noted down. Thus specific tendencies present in each historical period became apparent. Results of the solubility of ink in water and alcohol significantly narrowed treatment options. General tendencies of paper and ink degradation based on differences in papermaking were observed. Surface pH measurement, SurveNIR pH, rosin and protein concentration data showed that most rag papers were of poor to fair quality (pH ≤ 6.0 and low protein content (< 5 %)). Rosin-sized papers dated after 1840 had a lower pH (from 3.3 ± 0.2 to 5.0 ± 0.2) compared to gelatine-sized ones. Based on the obtained results, the overall condition of all the papers is good – slightly damaged but stable. The inks are not severely corroded, and there is no loss of text, although 20 % of the collection does show signs of iron-gall ink (IGI) corrosion. A limited number of documents, mostly before 1800, would require local antioxidative treatment. Due to the low pH of all the papers and the detection of ink corrosion, the collection should be stored in a cool environment, with low relative humidity. After the survey, digitisation priorities were also established. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Graphical abstract Highlights • For studying degradation kinetics of complex lignocellulosic papers, the cellulose peak (C) in multimodal the MMD was deconvoluted. • Two deconvolution methods which use SEC-MALS data are proposed to determine M r without the disturbance of HC or LCC fractions. • M r , k and E a close to cotton linter paper were obtained with the deconvolution method based on a calibration curve built with pure cellulose. Abstract Complex cellulosic samples are often difficult to analyse with size-exclusion chromatography. The strong molecular associations of hemicelluloses and lignin with cellulose produce multimodal molar mass distributions (MMD) that are difficult to interpret. More reliable ways of calculating the molar masses of cellulose are thus necessary. This is particularly relevant when studying the kinetics of paper degradation, as the number average molar mass is the most precise indicator. In this study various data handling methods based on the deconvolution of bimodal and multimodal MMDs of complex cellulosic samples after SEC-MALS-DRI analysis are examined in order to propose more accurate paper degradation rates. Two deconvolution methods, which do or do not rely on polymer calibration curves were developed and were applied to several kraft and groundwood pulp papers unaged and hygrothermally aged. The deconvolution methods are discussed and evaluated in light of calculated cellulose activation energies, degradation rates and paper usable lifetime predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The life expectancy of a transformer is closely related to the ageing state of its paper insulation. This paper presents novel markers for ageing characterization of paper insulation in oil-filled transformers based on the dispersion staining colors of cellulose fibres. Accelerated thermal ageing experiments were performed for oil-paper specimens at 120 and 130 °C to obtain aged oil-paper samples of different ageing degrees. The average degree of polymerization (DP), crystallinity index, and refractive index of insulation paper were measured; the experimental results show that an increase in refractive index of insulation paper was observed with the increase of ageing degree. Meanwhile, the dispersion staining colors of cellulose fibres in oil were observed using dispersion staining method; the experimental results show that the refractive index of cellulose fibres detached from insulation paper increases with the increment of ageing degree of insulation paper. Finally, two ageing markers—that is, the primary color ratio-based ratio of blue to red and the primary color ratio-based Mahalanobis distance were presented. Their relationship with DP and ageing time of insulation paper were obtained, and were compared with the corresponding relationship with 2-furaldehyde (2-FAL) and carbon oxides. The proposed ageing markers demonstrate an advantage over 2-FAL and carbon oxides and show potential in ageing state evaluation and residual life prediction of paper insulation in transformers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Museum in Krakow, Poland, has been carrying out a comprehensive risk assessment for its extensive collections of works on paper. The collection was stratified into primary homogeneous groups such as holdings of works by important artists or large groups of documentary prints or posters. Relative values of the selected groups of objects were estimated based on their market values. The primary groups of objects were further divided into subgroups for different risk scenarios developed by considering varying susceptibility of the subgroups to two key hazards - chemical deterioration and physical failure upon handling. A number of criteria were used: paper brittleness, pH, or the degree of protection of objects against physical forces through containment options defined as framed, matted, contained in albums, or unprotected. Next, the accumulation of damage from the deterioration processes or multiple events for each subgroup of the specific risk scenario was estimated. Finally, the loss of value was assessed by museum staff by considering questions as to how the predicted damage accumulation affects the uniqueness of the work, its artistic value, documentary information, or display potential. The information collected at all stages was introduced into a specifically developed software tool which calculated and presented the magnitudes of risks facilitating the risk evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the cause of foxing on 19th century paper using omics methods, including metagenomics via high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina platform and metabolomics via high-resolution surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SALDI-ToF-MS) imaging using the gold nanoparticle-enhanced target (AuNPET) method. Metabolomic analysis as well as ninhydrin and amido black staining of paper samples showed the presence of proteinaceous substances in areas corresponding to foxing. Products of cellulose biodegradation and microbial metabolites, including yellow-coloured pigments (2-methyl-6-phytylquinol; delta-, gamma- and beta-tocopherols; 3-hydroxy-L-kynurenine) were detected. No difference in metal-ion content was seen between areas with and without foxing. Higher degrees of biodiversity were identified within foxing stains compared to foxing-free areas. Phoma sp. and Cladonia sp. moulds and Gluconobacter and Ralstonia bacteria were predominant in DNA samples obtained from foxing stains. The presence of these microbes has never previously been linked to the phenomenon of foxing. These studies indicate that foxing is a result of a combined effect of microbial action, paper-degradation by microbes, dye production, and chemical changes occurring in paper due to oxidation of cellulose metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daluang or dluwang is an Indonesian traditional 'near paper' that is made of Saeh, a type of mulberry plant. Daluang or dluwang were used as a writing material in Java during the Islamic era. Cirebon, West Java Province, Indonesia, is one of daluang manuscript collection sources in Indonesia. The manuscripts belong to the local society and the royal family. The objective of this research is to provide a brief history of daluang production and use and to identify deterioration phenomena of daluang manuscripts which belong to the Cirebon society. The data was collected by literature study, interviews and a survey examining daluang manuscripts. The findings from this study are an important documentation of the present condition of daluang manuscripts in Cirebon. Furthermore, this paper offers guidance for a condition survey of daluang manuscript collections and identifies weaknesses in the current practice of preservation, offering suggestions for optimized storage conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungi damage valuable documents mechanically, chemically and aesthetically because they form hyphae, excrete pigments and organic acids, generating particular local conditions that modify the physical-chemical properties of the different documentary supports. The aims of this research were to determine the fungal genera associated with the paper documents biodeterioration and to demonstrate the biofilm formation and the damages. Sampling was done from documents with signs of biodeterioration using sterile cotton swabs. After serial dilutions from the samples, plates with Extract Malt Agar were inoculated and incubated at 30 °C for 7 days. Additional little fragments of the damage zone from each analyzed document were observed using stereomicroscopy, environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To evaluate the biodeterioration potential risk the strains were grown on cellulose, the acids production and pigments secretion were evaluated too. The genera Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Fusarium and Scopulariopsis were predominant. Isolated strains excreted acids into the culture medium; most of them grew well on cellulose and a few excreted pigments. The formation of a mature biofilm and the production of extracellular polymeric substances by fungi, as well as a dense biofouling mainly formed by dust mites, were evidenced by the SEM and ESEM observations. Also the observations showed that these strains were able to attach to paper fibre causing damage on them. The observation under optical microscopy of dead insect found inside the book showed fungal adhesion on the insect body and SEM support that this adhesion was formed by Aspergillus sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellobiose, a dimer of glucose wearing a glycosidic bond as in cellulose, was used as model molecule to understand the chemical degradation pathways taking place in iron gall inks impregnated papers. Experiments were carried out in liquid phase at 80 °C to study the effects of pH and of the presence of iron and oxygen on the cleavage of the glycosidic bond. Capillary electrophoresis was used to quantitatively follow the cellobiose degradation and the formation of glucose. Attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy of freeze-dried samples was done to identify the presence of secondary products of reaction. UV-Visible spectroscopy allowed monitoring the iron(II) and iron(III) contents as a function of time and pH. The data reveal that the simultaneous presence of iron and oxygen enhances the degradation of cellobiose. Nevertheless, even if some oxidation of the sugar molecules occurs, the predominant pathway of cellobiose decomposition is found to be acid-catalyzed hydrolysis due to the high acidity of the medium generated from the oxidation and precipitation of iron. [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]

The aim of this study was to assess the changes in chemical and physical properties of selected paper documents, dating from the 18th century to the present date. Paper documents from the 18th, 19th, and 21st centuries had a pH ranging from slightly acidic to alkaline values, whereas paper documents from the 20th century were more acidic. The contents of mannose, glucose, holocellulose, and lignin were significantly correlated with the pH of the paper. High contents of both carboxylic acids (acetic and formic) and the most durable monosaccharide (glucose) were found in the oldest examined paper documents originating from the 18th and 19th centuries. The lowest percentage of brightness was found in paper documents originating from 1920 and 1923. The lowest breaking length was associated with papers originating from 1920. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dluwang was made from the bark of the paper mulberry ( Broussonetia papyrifera Vent.). Old Javanese manuscripts were handwritten on dluwang . Fungi samples from deteriorated dluwang manuscripts from the libraries of royal palaces in Indonesia and from the faculty library of Universitas Indonesia were collected by using cotton swabs and adhesive tape. Fungal isolates were obtained by the culture-dependent method. Identification of 38 fungal isolates was carried out by the molecular method using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of ribosomal DNA. Phenotypic description of the isolates was obtained by classic culturing and direct microscopic observation. The results showed that fungi from the genera of Aspergillus and Penicillium were commonly found on old dluwang manuscripts. According to the molecular identification, species obtained were Aspergillus awamori , Aspergillus clavatus , Aspergillus flavus , Aspergillus fumigatus , Aspergillus jensenii , Aspergillus niger , Aspergillus pulvericola , Aspergillus ruber ( Eurotium rubrum ), Aspergillus versicolor , Penicillium citrinum , Penicillium oxalicum , Penicillium rubens , Pseudocercospora chiangmaiensis , and Trichoderma longibrachiatum . The isolated fungi were xerophilic and cellulolytic in nature. All isolates were able to grow on dluwang paper, 29 isolates (76%) were able to utilize carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and 18 isolates (47%) were able to utilize CMC and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The present study showed that the deterioration of the written heritage was potentially caused by diverse fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though gamma radiation application, also at the minimum dosage required for disinfection, causes depolymerization and degradation of the paper substrate, recently published papers seemed, instead, to suggest that γ-rays application could be envisaged in some conditions for Cultural Heritage original documents and books. In some of the published papers, the possible application of γ-rays was evaluated mainly by using mechanical tests that scarcely reflect the chemical modifications induced in the cellulosic support. In the present article the effect of low dosage γ-irradiation on cellulosic substrates was studied and monitored applying different techniques: colorimetry, spectroscopic measurements, carbonyl content and average viscometric degree of polymerization. Two different papers were investigated, a non-sized, non-filled cotton paper, and a commercial permanent paper. To simulate a real deteriorated document, which could need γ-rays irradiation, some samples were submitted to a hydrolysis treatment. We developed a treatment based on the exposition of paper to hydrochloric acid vapors, avoiding any contact of the samples with water. This method induces a degradation similar to that observed on original documents. The samples were then irradiated with 3 kGy γ-rays at a 5258 Gy/h rate. The aforementioned analyses were performed on the samples just irradiated and after artificial ageing. All tests showed negative effects of gamma irradiation on paper. Non-irradiated paper preserves better its appearance and chemical properties both in the short term and after ageing, while the irradiated samples show appreciable color change and higher oxidation extent. Since the Istituto centrale restauro e conservazione patrimonio archivistico e librario is responsible for the choice of all restoration treatments that could be applied on library and archival materials under the protection of the Italian State ( http://www.icpal.beniculturali.it/allegati/DM-7-10-2008-Istituto.pdf ), it has been evaluated that the modifications induced by γ-rays irradiation are not acceptable as safe conservation treatment ( http://www.icpal.beniculturali.it/allegati/Nota_uso_raggi_gamma.pdf ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biocidal activity of essential oils of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. and L. M. Perry (nail) and Allium sativum L. (garlic) against different fungal species producing paper biodeterioration. Essential oils (EOs) were obtained from harvested plants in their natural habitat in Cuba, and were tested against the species Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium sp. which were isolated from archival indoor environments and documents with patrimonial value The biocidal activity was studied at different concentrations (70, 50, 25, 12.5 and 7.5%) using the agar diffusion method. The effect of extracts on paper alterations was studied through different techniques including determination of pH and number of copper and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations. EOs were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). The determination of inhibition zones by the agar diffusion method of the tested EOs showed a moderate and/or positive effect. The study of the antifungal activity on paper ("in vivo") shows that both clove and garlic oils were potent biocides. Although the paper structure was not affected by EOs pure, some molecular damages were observed at lower concentrations across determinations of the pH and copper number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal deterioration is one of the most serious risks for books and paper-based documents in archives. A wide screening for fungi contamination in historic books was conducted by the National Records and Archives, Tanta, Egypt. A large percentage (59.3%) of the screened books showed fungal contamination and deterioration. In this study, the fumes released by smoldering plant species were evaluated for their antifungal activity against isolated fungal species taken from historical documents. Most of the examined plant fumes showed strong antifungal activity as expressed by their minimal inhibitory relative amounts (MIRA), Cinnamomum verum bark and Tamarix nilotica leaves producing the most effective antifungal fumes. Paper samples inoculated with deteriorative fungi were free of fungal growth and viable spores after their exposure to smoldering fumes and incubation up to 28 days. The application of plant smoldering fumes can be recommended as an effective, natural and eco-friendly biocide which can be safely applied to paper based objects in historic libraries and archives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As a result of use of library and archival documents, defined as reading with handling in the context of general access, mechanical degradation (wear and tear) accumulates. In contrast to chemical degradation of paper, the accumulation of wear and tear is less well studied. Previous work explored the threshold of mechanical degradation at which a paper document is no longer considered to be fit for the purpose of use by a reader, while in this paper we explore the rate of accumulation of such damage in the context of object handling. Results: The degree of polymerisation (DP) of historic paper of European origin from mid-19th-mid-20th Century was shown to affect the rate of accumulation of wear and tear. While at DP > 800, this accumulation no longer depends on the number of handlings (the process is random), a wear-out function could be developed for documents with DP between 300 and 800. For objects with DP < 300, one large missing piece (i.e. such that contains text) developed on average with each instance of handling, which is why we propose this DP value as a threshold value for safe handling. Conclusions: The developed model of accumulation of large missing pieces per number of handlings of a document depending on DP, enables us to calculate the time required for an object to become unfit for use by readers in the context of general access. In the context of the average frequency of document use at The UK National Archives (Kew), this period is 60 years for the category of papers with DP 300, and 450 years for papers with DP 500. At higher DP values, this period of time increases beyond the long-term planning horizon of 500 years, leading to the conclusion that for such papers, accumulation of wear and tear is not a significant collection management concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main paper conservation methods are presented, classified in the following categories: preparation of the intervention, disinfestation and disinfection/sterilization, surface/dry cleaning, wet cleaning, chemical stabilization, paper repairs, consolidation and strengthening. Treatment documentation is also discussed. The targets, the historical aspects, the general principles, the materials and equipment, the acceptance and criticism pertaining to each method are briefly reviewed, and the most important research for their evaluation is presented. Several paper stabilization strategies, such as deacidification and iron gall ink stabilization, applicable to paper are elucidated. Specific consolidation and strengthening methods for paper, such as lamination and paper splitting are also discussed. The review mainly focuses on the established methods, but experimental, abandoned or insufficiently documented methods are also included. Shortcomings and limitations of several methods were found in the literature, concerning health issues, limited effectiveness, adverse side-effects on the treated artefacts and restricted applicability. [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]

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]

Paper is an important material for many applications. During the centuries, it has been the most widely used writing support and therefore paper degradation is a major issue for cultural heritage. The main component of paper is cellulose, one of the most abundant biomaterials on Earth. Cellulose oxidation is mainly responsible for the yellowing of the ancient samples, through the formation of chromophores. In order to investigate this issue and the chromophores' role, we exploit the optical properties combining non-destructive experiments and theoretical calculations based on ab-initio techniques. In this paper, we illustrate the method and show its application to three ancient paper samples. The procedure we describe is a precious tool for cultural heritage preservation: indeed, the approach we present is based on non-invasive and non-destructive measurements that allows a microscopic understanding of cellulose-based artifacts degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inert polyester sheets, such as Melinex and Mylar, are widely used in conservation to create envelope-like enclosures for storing and protecting flat objects (paper, parchment, papyrus, etc.). These materials are known to be chemically stable and present no direct risks to the enclosed items; however, as the films have a low permeability, such enclosures may lead to the creation of internal microenvironments. This will both limit the response to external changes and potentially trap any internally generated volatiles with the object. The likelihood of different forms of enclosures doing so is investigated in this paper. The resulting data will help to inform decisions about choices of construction of enclosures for particular objects, environments and purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]