An Essential Role of Polymeric Adhesives in the Reinforcement of Acidified Paper Relics

Abstract

Paper acidification causes paper relics to undergo embrittlement and decay, to form dregs, and even to break upon a single touch; therefore, reinforcement and deacidification treatments are essential steps for paper conservation and to retard the deterioration and prolong the life of objects. Polymeric adhesives play an essential role in reinforcement and deacidification treatments, although it is not well studied. In this work, the effect of polymeric adhesives on the conservation process and their protective effects on acidified paper relics were studied. Firstly, three polymeric adhesives, including wheat starch paste, polyvinyl butyral (PVB), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), were selected as research objects. Subsequently, their effects on four popular conservation methods were further discussed, including traditional mounting, hot-melt with silk net, alcohol-soluble cotton mesh, and water-soluble cotton mesh. Additionally, as an example, the reversibility and long-term durability of water-soluble adhesive PVA-217 were assessed. Using a computer measured and controlled folding endurance tester, pendulum tensile strength tester, tear tester, burst tester, FT-IR, video optical contact angle tester, and other instruments, the conservation application of water-soluble adhesives in paper relics was evaluated. This study provides a scientific basis and experimental data for the application of polymeric adhesives in the conservation of paper relics.

Mitsunobu Functionalization of Poly(vinyl alcohol) Derivatives†

“…The functionalization “beltline” from PVAc to PVA then to PVB gives rise to three commercial polymers with unique properties and applications. As water‐soluble polymers, PVAs are extensively used in areas such as coatings, [ 14‐15 ] adhesives, [ 16‐17 ] detergents, [ 18‐19 ] and water‐soluble packages. Multiple PVA products with different degrees of hydrolysis and molecular weights (viscosity) are commercially available.…”

Biopolymer applications for different treatments of the historical paper manuscripts and leather bindings: A Review

“…[66]. Starch is used in the conservation of paper and leather as an adhesive [59; [64,67].Starch dissolves in water by heating, Abdel-Maksoud and Khattab [68] (2021) said that using starch in Nano size and starch nanoparticles dissolved in water blended with CMC dissolved in water for paper improves the properties of paper. the disadvantages of starch are that applying it too thickly or dryly can stiffen the paper too much, sometimes difficult to reverse, and shrink upon drying and over time lose moisture and shrink further under conditions of low relative humidity.…”

Thermal, Rheological, Structural and Adhesive Properties of Wheat Starch Gels with Different Potassium Alum Contents

“…However, the impact of PA on the apparent viscosity of wheat starch gels and its relationship with the binding capacity of the gel have not been thoroughly investigated. Furthermore, PA is an acid salt that has the potential to cause acid degradation and color change in paper relics, which has raised concerns among restorers [ 20 , 21 ]. Therefore, we aim to study the effects of PA on the thermal, rheological, and structural properties of wheat starch gels.…”