ブックタイトルConservation and Restoration of Western Paper

概要

Conservation and Restoration of Western Paper

Questions and AnswersThe following questions and answers were extracted from discussions at the study meetingheld on November 21, 2014.●Deacidification of Western PaperQuestion:Deacidification is said to be ineffective in preventing the discoloration of lignincontaining paper, but several cases report that ten years after aqueous deacidification, thediscoloration have slowed down or even improved. The theory that deacidification has noeffect on lignin seems weak.Around the time deacidification was introduced in conservation, the analysis of mummieswas just under way. It was found that the preservation of mummies with alkaline reserve wasin excellent condition and this is how the idea of using deacidification came about. It might beworth inspecting materials that have survived for over one thousand years.Fumio Yokoshima:First of all, the neutralization of acids by deacidification does not suppressthe lignin degradation. In fact, even after the deacidification with the Bookkeeper method,discoloration may still continue. Deacidification is known to extend the lifetime of the objectby 3 to 5 times, but it is not the solution to all the problems in the ageing of paper. And theissue of lignin still needs to be addressed. The improvement of the lignin discoloration in paperthrough aqueous treatments such as washing and deacidification may indeed be effective.Our company puts great emphasis on leaving an alkaline reserve into the paper and keeprecord of the measurements.According to the Library of Congress’research, an alkaline reserve of 0.8-1% in printingpaper extends the life of papers three to five times. While a newspaper would need a 1.5%reserve to ensure the same lifetime. It is in fact possible to leave a 1.5% alkaline reserve inpaper, but the rate in which the reserve will be used up depends on the type of paper. Thisis why our company puts great importance in taking measurement and quality controls ofalkaline reserves and the effect on the object in years to come.●How to Approach Conservation TreatmentsQuestion:There are some set approaches to conservation, such as fumigation to combat pestinfestation. They have their own effect, however in analytical tests such as DNA samplingor elemental analysis, the DNA samples can no longer be obtained from fumigated objects.Single sided conservation approach endangers future research analysis and a more multi83