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The Chemistry of Paper Preservation: Part 2. The Yellowing of Paper and Conservation Bleaching

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Henry A. Carter

Augustana University College, Camrose, AB, T4V 2R3

J. Chem. Educ., 1996, 73 (11), p 1068

DOI: 10.1021/ed073p1068

Publication Date (Web): November 1, 1996

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

The discoloration of paper on aging is of interest to the archival community and also to the pulp and paper industry where new and improved mechanical pulps are being developed. The yellowing of paper on aging can be attributed to the presence of chromophores found in some of the products formed from the degradation of one or more components of paper. This study identifies the nature of the chromophores found in cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. The photooxidation of lignin-containing papers and the mechanism for photoyellowing are discussed. This is followed by a description of the basic principles of conservation bleaching which involves chemically treating papers in order to remove unwanted discoloration or stains. The washing of paper and the use of oxidizing and reducing bleaches are presented. The discussion on oxidizing bleaches includes hydrogen peroxide, alkaline hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide and sunlight. The chemistry of reducing bleaches focuses on dithionites and borohydrides.

Keywords (Audience):

Upper-Division Undergraduate

Keywords (Domain):

Public Understanding / Outreach

Keywords (Subject):

Applications of Chemistry

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This article has been cited by 2 ACS Journal articles (2 most recent appear below).

The Chemistry of Paper Preservation. Part 5. Permanent Paper
Henry A. Carter
Journal of Chemical Education2007 84 (12), 1937
- The Chemistry of Paper Preservation. Part 5. Permanent Paper
  Henry A. Carter
  Journal of Chemical Education2007 84 (12), 1937
  The acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of cellulose accounts for the deterioration of paper in library books and other written records. To combat this threat to our written heritage, new permanent papers have been developed that are relatively chemically stable ...
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links
The Chemistry of Paper Preservation Part 3. The Strengthening of Paper
Henry A. Carter
Journal of Chemical Education1996 73 (12), 1160
- The Chemistry of Paper Preservation Part 3. The Strengthening of Paper
  Henry A. Carter
  Journal of Chemical Education1996 73 (12), 1160
  The following study describes the parylene and graft copolymerization processes that have been developed to strengthen fragile or brittle paper artifacts. Theparylene process involves vaporizing di-para-xylylene at 150o - 250 oC and splitting the dimeric ...
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links