JAIC 1992, Volume 31, Number 3, Article 3 (pp. 289 to 311)
JAIC online
Journal of the American Institute for Conservation
JAIC 1992, Volume 31, Number 3, Article 3 (pp. 289 to 311)

EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS LIGHT BLEACHING ON THE SUBSEQUENT AGING OF PAPER

TERRY TROSPER SCHAEFFER, MARY T. BAKER, VICTORIA BLYTH-HILL, & DIANNE VAN DER REYDEN


ABSTRACT—The effects of aqueous light bleaching of a naturally aged, 100% cotton rag, gelatin-sized paper on the subsequent aging of that paper have been investigated. Effects of exposure to various control conditions were compared with those due to aqueous light bleaching. Physical properties of all papers were monitored by measurement of surface pH, optical properties, stress-strain tensile behavior, and presence of sizing. Measurements were made before and after treatments and after artificial aging at 90�C and 50% RH for 20 days. An unsized filter paper, made from 100% cotton fibers, was exposed to identical conditions, and the same properties were measured. For the gelatin-sized paper, aqueous light bleaching resulted in less color reversion after artificial aging than did exposure to any of the control conditions. However, the sized paper specimens exhibited significant change in tensile properties. Similar responses were also observed in controls that were immersed in the dark. The changes noted are likely to be attributable to immersion temperature. All paper specimens were significantly embrittled by artificial aging. The changes in tensile properties of both types of papers upon aging did not appear to be influenced by exposure to light during the bleaching procedure.

Article Sections:

1. INTRODUCTION
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS
3. RESULTS
4. DISCUSSION
1. APPENDIX
2. AQUEOUS LIGHT-BLEACHING AND CONTROL TREATMENTS
3. ARTIFICIAL AGING
4. ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES.
a: Appendix , Notes , References , Author Information
Entire Article

Copyright � 1992 American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works