Alkaline nanoparticles for the deacidification and pH control of books and manuscripts

Abstract

Manuscripts and books are susceptible to fast degradation owing to the presence of detrimental components used in the papermaking techniques, and to the action of environmental pollutants. As a result, the acidity of documents increases, promoting the acid-catalyzed depolymerization of cellulose. The latter process strongly reduces the mechanical properties of paper, reducing its long-term resistance to natural aging. The presence of inks concurs to degradation, making the conservation of manuscripts particularly demanding. In this chapter, the use of dispersions of alkaline earth metal hydroxide nanoparticles will be discussed as a method for counteracting the degradation of paper. These systems have proven efficient for the deacidification of cellulose-based artifacts, providing a mild alkaline buffer and maintaining a stable neutral environment. The palette of formulations nowadays available to conservators includes systems designed for the treatment of manuscripts featuring metal gall inks and modern industrial inks.