Volume 38, Issue 3 -

This study deals with mold damaged photographic gelatin disinfection methods. The goal of the study is to determine a suitable method to apply a solution of deionized water and absolute ethanol (30:70 v/v) mixture in order to obtain a biocide effect on four fungal strains: Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger, Chaetomium globosum and Penicillium brevicompactum . Three implementations were tested: solvent chamber, direct contact and direct contact followed by a mechanical removal. Different treatment times were tested for each method. The deionized water and absolute ethanol mixture, applied for two hours in a solvent chamber, succeeded in inactivating the four tested fungal strains.

Iron gall ink’s natural acidity promotes the degradation of manuscripts. This process mostly affects the areas containing ink, causing fragility of the paper carrier that limits its manipulation. The cellulosic material is modified by two chemical reactions, acidic hydrolysis and oxidation, both depending on the pH of the paper. This article explores the distribution of acidity in manuscripts and its link to iron gall ink corrosion and cellulose degradation. Subsequently, different treatment methods of deacidification, specifically designed for extremely degraded paper documents and sheets bound in volumes were tested. Documents were deacidified and at the same time mechanically supported, using an alkaline compound for deacidification that increases the pH to a range at which iron ion oxidation is decreased. Three alkaline compounds at different concentrations were evaluated: (1) calcium carbonate microparticles, (2) calcium hydroxide nanoparticles and (3) calcium propionate solution. The immediate and long-term effects after ten months of storage of these compounds on the increase of the pH of manuscripts are described in this study. All tested compounds were able to increase the pH and maintain it in the course of the observed period. Moreover, a lining with thin tissue and a mixture of 3 % gelatine dissolved in 60 % water and 40 % alcohol provides the consolidation required for manipulation of the manuscripts.

A considerable amount of uncertainty exists with respect to the lifetimes of optical disc media. In reports found in the literature, longevity for some discs is stated as less than five years, but for others, it can exceed one hundred years. The variability in the lifetime values has created a general distrust for optical discs as a reliable short or long-term storage option for information. This study was undertaken to provide some clarification about the uncertainty surrounding optical disc longevity. Using the European Computer Manufacturers Association standard ECMA-396, a recordable CD and a recordable DVD were subjected to a variety of elevated temperature and relative humidity conditions over several months. Eyring and Arrhenius predictive methods allowed longevity estimations to be made. It was found that the Arrhenius method produced realistic lifetime predictions for the recordable CD, but neither method produced reasonable figures for the recordable DVD. In addition, an analysis of naturally aged optical discs (up to seventeen years old) provided valuable data on disc lifetimes. This data also helped to validate the Arrhenius results for the recordable CD tested, but contradicted the long and unreasonable lifetime values predicted for the recordable DVD.

The Cyrillic books Menology for May (1705), The Bible (1822) and Mirror (1816) were consigned for conservation to the Conservation Laboratory at the National Library in Skopje. The first two books were printed in Moscow, while the third book was issued in Vienna, although it originates from the territory of the former Ottoman Empire, present-day Republic of Macedonia. In order to design a conservation protocol, papers and inks used in the books were characterized and their condition was assessed. Micro-chemical tests were used in order to identify the type of paper fibres and materials added to the paper pulp. FTIR was applied to confirm the findings for the sizing and fillers found in the paper support. Inorganic pigments were analysed by micro-Raman spectroscopy. The original paper in the Russian books was made of rags with less than 5 % lignin content present, whereas the paper in Mirror was made of raw and unbleached hardwood. Distinct types of sizing have been identified: gelatine/alum in Menology for May and Mirror and gelatine/rosin in The Bible . The pigments identified are lamp black, vermilion, Prussian blue and calcite. The study elucidates which internal and external factors could cause further decay of the books and will help in making informed decisions concerning the further preservation of the objects.