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A study of the chemical deterioration of paper using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and the strengthening and stabilization of mechanical wood papers.

Wettasinghe, Chandani Saroja; (1990) A study of the chemical deterioration of paper using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and the strengthening and stabilization of mechanical wood papers. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D.), University College London. Green open access

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Abstract

The composition and mode of deterioration of a number of old and modem papers of different types were investigated using a variety of techniques including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Special emphasis was placed on papers based in whole or in part on mechanical wood pulps, as these are particularly noted for their poor preservation, and have not been so widely studied as the lignin-free papers. FTIR was used to investigate chemical changes occuring in papers as a result of ageing, and to identify paper types and additives on a chemical basis by comparison with standards of known composition treated in different ways. DSC was used to look for changes in stability of papers as a result of ageing and following chemical modification. The causes of paper deterioration have been reviewed and discussed, and the role of acidity and pollutants in paper deterioration further investigated and assessed. Alternative methods of deacidification have been tried, particularly those based on vapour-phase reagents, in an attempt to overcome some of the disadvantages of existing techniques. Two particular aspects of the conservation of wood-pulp based papers have been investigated. The strengthening of new and already partially deteriorated papers by chemical means has been tried, as has the use of reagents to stabilize the lignin and to limit future deterioration of such papers. Prospects for the preservation of modem papers of low permanence have been discussed in the light of the work described above.

Type: Thesis (Doctoral)
Qualification: Ph.D.
Title: A study of the chemical deterioration of paper using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and the strengthening and stabilization of mechanical wood papers.
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
Language: English
Additional information: Thesis digitised by Proquest
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10109557
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