Influence of Gum Arabic on Iron Gall Ink Corrosion.

This article describes the influence of Gum Arabic on iron gall ink corrosion. Iron-gall ink corrosion of paper is one of the greatest threats for the graphic heritage and affects a significant number of ancient manuscripts, as iron-gall inks were commonly in use until the beginning of the twentieth century. Numerous recipes are cited in the literature. Most of them include the following basic ingredients: iron sulphate, gallnut extracts and a binder, which makes the ink texture more suitable for writing. Ink corrosion is considered to be the result of two major degradation processes: acid-catalyzed hydrolysis and iron(II)-catalyzed oxidation of cellulose, contributing to a loss in the mechanical properties of paper.