JAIC 1978, Volume 17, Number 2, Article 4 (pp. 33 to 43)
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Journal of the American Institute for Conservation
JAIC 1978, Volume 17, Number 2, Article 4 (pp. 33 to 43)

PENETRATION AND PLACEMENT OF ALKALINE COMPOUNDS IN SOLUTION-DEACIDIFIED PAPER

George B. Kelly, & Stanley Fowler


ABSTRACT—In deacidification with magnesium bicarbonate solutions, papers from an old book took twice as long (80 minutes) to achieve the equilibrium alkali content in 2.13 g/l solutions as in 8.5 g/l solutions. Methanol (10%) in the solution greatly shortened the time required. Migration while drying concentrated the alkali at the surface of the paper (3:1 ratio, surface to interior). High humidity heat treatments increased the ratio, but freeze drying lowered it to 1.5:1. In non-aqueous deacidification, poor solvents cause the alkali to lag behind the solvent front in penetrating the paper. The significance of the findings is discussed.

Article Sections:

1. INTRODUCTION
2. EXPERIMENTAL
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4. CONCLUSIONS
a: References
Entire Article

Copyright � 1978 American Institute of Historic and Artistic Works