Indicators of acidity and methods of its neutralization during preventive conservation and restoration of architectural graphics

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to analyze the impact of pH of the paper on the state of preservation, to describe the main methods of neutralization of acidity in the implementation of restoration and conservation measures for the preservation of architectural graphics. To indicate the need to monitor the pH state when preserving paper-based collections. Methodology. To analyze the art, methods of systematization, comparison, and generalization to determine and describe the optimal techniques and experience for the preservation of collections of architectural graphics on a paper basis. The scientific novelty consists in a comprehensive study of the relationship between pH and the state of preservation of architectural graphics and methods of neutralization of the acidity in the process of conservation and restoration. Conclusions. It is established that the acidity is due to the parameters of paper production, due to natural aging processes, air pollution, adsorption of acid impurities in the paper, storage conditions, a technique using certain pigments, and so on. It is necessary to monitor the acidity when implementing preventive conservation measures as it is an important indicator of physico-chemical changes in the paper. Acidity accelerates the process of hydrolytic cleavage of cellulose molecules and is one of the reasons for the loss of paper-based collections. A large number of monuments requires conservation and restoration measures to neutralize the pH. Existing methods of stabilization and buffering of acidity are effective, but the search for new, easier to implement, cheaper solutions is ongoing. The new methods can have a longer effect and can be widely used in collections.