Journal article
Non-Destructive Analysis of 14th–19th Century European Handmade Papers
Restaurator. International Journal for the Preservation of Library and Archival Material, Vol.37(2), pp.93-135
06/01/2016
DOI: 10.1515/res-2015-0017
Abstract
Non-destructive analysis of 1,578 paper specimens made between the fourteenth and the nineteenth centuries was undertaken in an effort to better understand changes in paper composition over time and how these variations might affect paper stability during long term natural ageing. Gelatine content and colour were determined using UV/Vis/NIR spectrometry. Residual metals were measured using XRF. These components included potassium and sulfur as elements indicative of alum concentration; iron as a typical paper contaminant; and calcium, which is often associated with compounds such as calcium carbonate that can serve as alkaline reserves. The research demonstrated that papers that are lighter in colour (closer to white) are associated with higher levels of gelatine and calcium, and lower levels of iron. The survey also showed significant decreases in gelatine and calcium concentration over time with the largest differences coinciding with the rise of printing around 1500. The drop in pH over the centuries observed by other researchers is explained by the decreases in these two components rather than by a rise in alum concentration, which remained fairly stable. The craftsmanship of the specimens was evaluated using materials and workmanship ratings which showed better quality paper associated with higher gelatine and calcium concentrations and colour closer to white. Poorer quality papers were associated with higher iron levels and greater thickness.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Non-Destructive Analysis of 14th–19th Century European Handmade Papers
- Creators
- Timothy Barrett - Center for the Book, 216 NH, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USAMark Ormsby - Preservation Programs, National Archives and Records Administration, 8601 Adelphi Road, Rm. 1800, College Park, MD 20740, USAJoseph B Lang - Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, 207 SH, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Restaurator. International Journal for the Preservation of Library and Archival Material, Vol.37(2), pp.93-135
- Publisher
- De Gruyter
- DOI
- 10.1515/res-2015-0017
- ISSN
- 0034-5806
- eISSN
- 1865-8431
- Number of pages
- 43
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 06/01/2016
- Academic Unit
- Statistics and Actuarial Science; Interdisciplinary Programs; Biostatistics
- Record Identifier
- 9983985852102771
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