Work

Influence of Wet Film Thickness on the Functional Applications of Biopolymers in Paper Conservation

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: In heritage conservation, paper deterioration can be slowed down by controlling the environmental conditions surrounding heritage objects and stabilizing the materials these objects are made of. As conservation materials can also cause optical, chemical, and physical changes in the object, their application should be safe, minimalistic, and purposeful. This paper aimed to observe the functional applications of three biopolymers used in paper conservation. For that purpose, a model paper was coated with methylcellulose (MC), cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), and wheat starch (WSP) using different wet film deposits. The prepared samples were characterized by determining their physical, optical, and surface properties. The results show that changes in the wet film deposit thickness influenced paper properties. With CNCs, the increase has caused a drastic change of colour properties, with MC hydrophobicity increased and with WSP grammage and thickness increased. All coatings (except CNC24) have contributed to the preservation of the colour properties of the paper from the damage caused by thermal ageing.

Source: Colloids and Interfaces

DOI: 10.3390/colloids7020043

Authors: Gabriela Aleksić, Tomislav Cigula, Marina Vukoje, Katarina Itrić Ivanda

Institutions: National and University Library in Zagreb, University of Zagreb

Language: English

Topic: Conservation Techniques and Studies

Subfield: Conservation

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,779

Funder: Sveučilište u Zagrebu