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The lithography books of Iran, despite their historical importance, have received relatively little attention. This study aims to comprehensively examine an Iranian lithography book from the Qajar period titled Hayat al-Qolub, to identify its materials. The paper pulp, sizing, inks and leather of the bookbinding were analyzed through various methods, including staining tests for identifying paper pulp, light microscopy, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, Micro-spectrophotometry, multi-band imaging, SEM-EDS and LC-MS. The findings suggest that the book was made of rag paper composed of linen and cotton fibers, while animal glue and gypsum were used for paper sizing and filling, respectively. Carbon black was used as black printing ink and cochineal was used for red ink. The leather cover of the book was made of goat skin that was tanned with gallotannins and unhaired with lime. Evidence of the use of liming in the unhairing process was also observed in this leather. This research enhances our understanding of paper and bookmaking techniques of the Qajar period in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research presents a comprehensive study on the application of hydroxypropyl cellulose/zinc oxide nanocomposite (HPC/ZnO NC) as an effective consolidant in leather conservation. The critical focus is to prevent photooxidative degradation, a significant challenge in preserving historical leather artifacts. The nanocomposite was evaluated for its protective capabilities against environmental stressors like UV radiation and moisture, mechanical robustness, and potential to stabilize acid-damaged leather. The uniform dispersion of ZnO NPs in the HPC matrix was revealed as crucial for improving leather properties, which was confirmed through SEM imaging. The HPC/ZnO NC coating effectively prevented UV-induced microcracks, surface degradation and collagen denaturation. It also demonstrated enhanced mechanical resistance, inhibiting the reduction in leather's maximum tolerable force and increasing the elongation index, even after aging. Additionally, it exhibited improved water-repellent properties and increased the pH of the leather, offering potential benefits for the treatment of acid-degraded leathers. Overall, the findings affirm that the application of HPC/ZnO NC significantly augments the physical and mechanical properties of leather, providing enhanced resistance to environmental degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying tanning and dyeing agents of historical leathers is one of the less studied subjects. Therefore, this study aims to distinguish the surface dyeing agent of historical leathers along with the tanning agents. It helps to better understand the leather‐making process of past centuries. For this purpose, two Iranian historical bookbinding leathers belonging to the Qajar era were investigated. The tannins were examined by ferric spot test and ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy after being extracted from the leather corium layer. ATR‐FTIR and μXRF spectroscopy were also used to study the characteristics of the leathers' surface, in both grain and corium layers. LC–MS was also used to analyze the extracts taken from the surface of the leather samples. The results showed the corium layer of leathers has a significant number of hydrolysable tannins, especially gallotannins, as tanning agents. The characteristics of their FTIR spectra are significantly similar to those of sumac. LC–MS results showed the presence of ellagic acid, as an indicator analyte, on the surface of the leathers. It indicates that tannin‐rich plants, such as oak, have been used for dyeing these leathers. Investigation of the structural properties of the grain and corium layers also revealed the accumulation of copper and iron on the surface of the leathers. Accordingly, copper and iron, which reacted with tannins to give a black color, were the main dyeing factor used in both historical leather samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]