Cellulose-Graphene Bifunctional Paper Conservation Materials: For Reinforcement and UV Aging Protection

Abstract

Paper artifacts have unique cultural and historical values. However, over time, many paper artifacts appear with disease characteristics such as embrittlement and photoaging, losing the most fundamental function of the literature archive. The reinforcement handling of degraded paper artifacts is, therefore, a necessary measure to extend their service life, the key to which lies in the reinforcement and prevention of photoaging. This paper intended to use graphene oxide (GO) as a UV protective agent, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a reinforcement, and polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a modifier. In this work, the amino-modified graphene oxide carboxymethyl cellulose composite (CMC-aGO) was prepared by chemical modification, which was used as bifunctional paper protection material with anti-ultraviolet and reinforcement. It showed excellent performance in both tensile strength testing and UV resistance testing. The CMC-aGO raw material is low cost, colorless, transparent, simple to synthesize, convenient to operate, and is an excellent conservation material with dual functions of UV aging protection and paper reinforcement.

Present Status and Perspectives of Graphene and Graphene‐related Materials in Cultural Heritage

“…It is worth mentioning that a composite hydrogel based on acrylamide, montmorillonite, and GO was proposed for the electrochemical cleaning of stained paper‐based artworks. [ 172 ] Moreover, GRMs can find applications as UV absorber materials in cellulose‐based substrates, [ 173 ] or as tracer materials for the detection of repaired areas in artworks and artifacts. [ 174 ]…”

Carbon Quantum Dots for Long-Term Protection against UV Degradation and Acidification in Paper-Based Relics

“…7 Bifunctional material with graphene oxide and carboxymethyl cellulose was used in rice paper for anti-UV and reinforcement protection. 11 Also, coatings comprising microcrystalline cellulose/TiO 2 /fluorine/styrene-acrylate were applied to protect Xuan paper. 12 Additionally, organic compounds, such as 2-hydroxy-4-(octyloxy)-benzophenone, had been proposed for triple protection against bacteria, UV aging, and acidification for handmade paper/old newspaper protection.…”

“…For instance, a single-layer graphene veil prepared by chemical vapor deposition was developed to prevent color fading of artworks with a protection factor of up to 70% . Bifunctional material with graphene oxide and carboxymethyl cellulose was used in rice paper for anti-UV and reinforcement protection . Also, coatings comprising microcrystalline cellulose/TiO 2 /fluorine/styrene-acrylate were applied to protect Xuan paper .…”