The influence of sizing and iron-gall inks on the kinetics and degradation mechanism of cellulose in sealed vessel

Abstract

Ancient papers are mainly characterized by some components: cellulose, sizing materials and iron gall inks. Iron gall complexes are well known inks, which have been the most used writing material since the 12th century. However , over time these inks have caused the degradation of the substrate on which they were applied as a result of storage conditions and their intrinsic peculiarities. Conversely, sizing agent seemed to have a protective effect of deterioration. This research work takes its cue from these phenomenon and proposes the study of the influence of different iron gall ink and gelatine sizing on the degradation of cellulosic substrate. Artificial aging in sealed vessel has been exploited in order to ascertain mechanisms and degradation pathway occurring in such test. Owing to lacking knowledge of processes caused by the emission of volatile acidic compounds (VOCs ) as well as of kinetics of cellulose degradation in closed system, a kinetic study has been performed. The main objective of the present research is to assess whether the presence of iron gall ink and gelatine sizing can modify the mechanism and kinetics of cellulose degradation.