Preservation of newspapers

James E. Burd <burd<-a t->pgh< . >nauticom< . >net> writes

>Newsprint by its nature begins with high lignin content and residual
>acids.  The lignin tends to darken the paper with time and
>contributes to its initial weakness.  The acids cause the cellulose
>fibers to break, and this leads to embrittlement.

I agree with James E. Burd that deacidification prolongs the life of
acidic and ligneous paper material. However, it should be said that
the commercial deacidification sprays (aqueous and alcohol base) are
known to darken rich ligneous paper. The alternative safe
deacidification treatment would be the "DEZ" method. I don't know if
the Library of Congress are offering the public this services, but
as James suggested this question should be address to the Library of
Congress.

Michael Maggen
Senior paper conservator
The Israel Museum Jerusalem

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 10:77
                   Distributed: Monday, March 3, 1997
                       Message Id: cdl-10-77-027
                                  ***