Evaluation of Bookkeeper mass deacidification based on historical book papers

Abstract

Bookkeeper, the most widely used deacidification process based on MgO particles, was systematically evaluated on two sets of nonvaluable historical paper samples. Established analytical methods, such as pH and alkaline reserve determination, were used, as well as SEM EDS analyses to evaluate the distribution of Mg-rich particles on the paper surface and in the cross-section of the paper. The degradation rate constants of untreated and deacidified paper samples after accelerated thermal degradation were calculated based on weight average molecular mass determination to evaluate the lifetime extension of paper. The efficiency factors determined after accelerated thermal degradation of untreated and treated paper showed that paper lifetime prolongation after Bookkeeper deacidification treatment is highly limited for most of the investigated paper samples. No correlation was found between the alkaline reserve content or the pH and the degradation rate constants of the deacidified paper samples, but the paper degradation rate correlated with the paper samples pH before deacidification treatment. SEM EDS analysis showed that Mg-rich particles remained on the paper surface, which explains the limited effectiveness of the treatment.Graphical abstract