Guar Gum Nanocomposites: Green Corrosion Inhibitors of Iron‐Gall Ink on Paper Artworks

Abstract

Iron-Gall ink corrosion in paper artworks has always been a major challenge for restorers. In this study, a novel green nanocomposite based on Guar gum that can be used as a protective coating to prevent corrosion induce by oxidation and the acid hydrolysis process is introduced. For this purpose, Guar gum/calcium hydroxide/Klucel nanocomposite is used as an effective coating to stabilize the iron on paper and slow down the deterioration process. Guar gum is used as a chelating agent for Fe(II), Ca(OH) 2 nanoparticles can deacidify the paper, and Klucel contributes to better dispersion of the nanoparticles and increase the mechanical strength of the paper and also can contribute to stabilizing Fe ions. This one-step process for consolidation, deacidification, and antioxidation is a good way to decrease the physical damage, especially to sensitive papers, and saves time and materials too. To monitor the treatment effects over time, accelerated aging is also studied. Results show the good protective effects of nanocomposite coatings on the paper which retains its strength even after thermal aging due to a decrease in the rate of oxidation and hydrolysis reactions.