A systematically evolved method for the effective use of essential oil blends for the structural maintenance of palm leaf manuscripts

Abstract

Palm leaf manuscripts (PLMs) are traditional carriers that contain a wealth of knowledge from different disciplines written by ancient scholars. However, PLMs are susceptible to deterioration due to moisture, light, fungi and bacteria. An existing method of applying essential oils (EOs) to preserve PLMs does not currently appear successful, hence the study presented here which aimed to maximise the preservation characteristics of six different EO blends, prepared and applied to palm leaves, which were then tested for stiffness, brightness and weight gain. The interpretation of the efficiency of EO blends in the preservation of PLMs is attributed to the compatibility between the oils due to the various constituents present in the individual EOs. FTIR spectroscopy was used to understand the compatibility of the oils in a blend and any EO blend rendering a higher stiffness and brightness was identified as having a high preservation performance. Based on the investigation, good compatibility is observed between the FTIR spectrum of Blend-E with its contributing EOs of citronella, neem and mustard. On the other hand, Blend-B exhibits poor preservation characteristics and incompatibility. The study concludes with the recommendation that Blend-E is suitable for the treatment and regular maintenance of PLMs as it can help reduce physical and chemical damage.