Facilitating the application of starch paste in the conservation of paper artworks

Abstract

Starch paste serves as an adhesive in book and paper conservation; however, its short shelf life necessitates small-batch preparation. This research aims to streamline starch paste usage, enable long-term storage without fungicidal additives, and enhance adhesive durability without compromising quality. The application of fresh starch paste and activated starch film elevated the pH levels in the coated samples compared to the adhesive-free controls. Following moist heat and light aging, the samples with activated starch films exhibited the highest pH. Fresh starch paste yielded minimal color changes (ΔE) after aging, whereas the activated starch film displayed the lowest Δ E. Tensile strength increased with the application of fresh starch paste and activated starch film. Although the tensile strength decreased after aging, the samples with adhesives exhibited higher values than the adhesive-free controls. The adhesion levels decreased after aging, with fresh starch paste displaying the highest adhesion after light aging and activated starch film demonstrating the highest adhesion after moist heat aging.