Iron-gall ink studies on acid and alkaline papers and their relation to cellulose microbiological degradation

Antonio C.A. Da Costa, Fernanda Do N. Corrêa*, Gustavo De S. Sant'Anna, Ozana Hannesch, Gisele B. Tonietto, José Marcus José, Rodrigo De A. Gonçalves, Márcia T.S. Lutterbach

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper describes the effect of various iron-gall inks on acid and alkaline papers and their relation to biodeterioration. Different types of papers were used in the present study, where several tests were performed: spot-tests for lignin and starch detection, chemical digestion to quantify total iron content, desorption studies to remove iron from the papers, followed by accelerated artificial aging, scanning electron microscopic studies and biodeterioration tests. Results indicated that lignin was only detected on acid papers, while starch was detected both on acid and alkaline papers. Treatment with calcium phytate proved to be an efficient process to remove excess iron from the inks. Scanning electron microscopic images showed distinct surface spreading of inks on the papers, depending on the iron content. Finally, in the absence of any other carbon source, papers strips containing iron-gall inks proved to be amenable to biodeterioration, indicating that chemical and biochemical deterioration simultaneously occur.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)413-428
Number of pages16
JournalInternational Journal of Conservation Science
Volume9
Issue number3
Publication statusPublished - 2018
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Acid papers
  • Alkaline papers
  • Biodeterioration
  • Iron content
  • Scanning electron microscopy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Iron-gall ink studies on acid and alkaline papers and their relation to cellulose microbiological degradation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this