Reproducing ancient Chinese ink depending on gelatin/chitosan and modern experimental methodology

Abstract

Chinese ink has very special significance for presentation of artistic effects and preservation of works of art; however, wasted nonrenewable resources, potential toxicity, and complex and inefficient production technologies have limited the development of inks for traditional Chinese culture. Herein, environmentally friendly, practical and antibacterial Chinese ink was prepared by facile heating-stirring of gelatin and the natural polysaccharide chitosan. The internal composition, viscosity, morphology, particle size and antibacterial properties of the ink were characterized by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and bacteriostatic zone tests. The results showed that commercial ink (CM) spread easily on Xuan paper and led to imperfect artwork, while the chitosan and gelatin ink (CG) showed good adhesion and stability on Xuan paper. Based on this study, we believe that the good performance of CG ink should be attributed to restrictions arising from its internal chitosan and gelatin network, which restrict diffusion. Finally, the author used CG ink to display traditional Chinese calligraphy and landscape painting and believes that it has significant application prospects and will be used in large-scale production.