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This article presents the author's views on paper conservation. In the conservation of paper, gamma irradiation has been used for several specific purposes. Its application is based on the high penetration power of gamma rays and their high energy. Gamma irradiation has been used for the destruction of various fungi on several types of paper. High energy irradiation causes excitation and ionization leading to the degradation of the molecules and the creation of free radicals. The accompanying structural changes are in many respects analogous to those observed when cellulose is oxidized, finally resulting in the loss of tensile strength, reduced degree of polymerization and an increase in the number of carboxyl and carbonyl groups.

This article presents the author's views on the effect of relative humidity on the degradation rate of cellulose. The kinetics of acid hydrolysis of cellulose described by researcher A. Ekenstam and called the Ekenstam equation was investigated using some samples of lignin-free paper. The dependence of rate constant against relative humidity has been determined at 90 degree centigrade. It was found that it was safe to use saturated solutions of salts consisting of an alkali metal and a halogen ion. Deposits of these salts on the cellulose did not affect its degradation rate, in contrast to magnesium chloride, which significantly accelerated the degradation process.

This article presents the author's views on paper conservation using aqueous solutions of calcium hydroxide and methyl cellulose. Using solutions of calcium hydroxide results in a higher alkaline reserve compared to treatments using aqueous solutions of calcium bicarbonate, magnesium sulphate or magnesium bicarbonate, respectively. The level of the alkaline reserve in paper was found to be dependent upon the calcium hydroxide content in the solution and the length of treatment. It was also found that paper treated with calcium hydroxide had increased folding endurance and retained its alkaline reserve better after ageing.

This article presents the author's views on the non-destructive method for alkaline reserve determination in paper. Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) is a used for measuring the concentration of ionic substances deposited on cellulosic substrates. The advantages are that it is quite sensitive within the medium infrared range, where ionic inorganic compounds such as sulphates, nitrates, phosphates, silicates arid carbonates absorb strongly. Application of DRIFTS technique to paper is very quick and simple. Measurement of spectra does not require special preparation, and a complete analysis of a book or a document can be accomplished within an hour.

This article presents the author's views on gelatine in historical paper production and as inhibiting agent for iron-gall ink corrosion on paper. During the early days, as a sizing agent hide glue, or gelatine was used, applied by soaking. This form of size and method of application was almost exclusively used until the invention of machine made paper and pulp or internal sizing at the beginning of the 19th century. Two main reaction mechanisms cause the damage that threatens documents written in iron-gall ink. They are acid hydrolysis of cellulose, and oxidation of cellulose, rapidly catalysed by transition metal ions.