Artificial Aging Test Research Articles

Phase Transformation and Roughening in Artificially Aged and Retrieved Zirconia-Toughened Alumina Femoral Heads

BackgroundZirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) used in hip arthroplasty contains yttria-stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP) as a toughening agent. However, Y-TZP is well known to degrade in vivo from tetragonal to monoclinic phase transformation. The stability of never-implanted ZTA femoral heads was evaluated in a severe artificial aging test, with retrieved ZTA heads also evaluated for clinical relevance. We hypothesized that ZTA would degrade due to tetragonal-to-monoclinic phase transformation, with changes in surface topography and progressive roughening. Y-TZP specimens served as a positive comparison group, while magnesia-stabilized zirconia (Mg-PSZ), which does not undergo phase transformation, served as a stable comparison group. MethodsMonoclinic phase concentration, surface topography, and roughness of never-implanted ZTA, Y-TZP, and Mg-PSZ heads were measured by X-ray diffraction and optical profilometry, before and after 2 rounds of 24 hours of hydrothermal aging. Explanted ZTA heads were characterized by the same methods. ResultsAfter 48 hours in an autoclave, the surface of ZTA heads exhibited irregularly spaced protrusions about 20-30 nm high by 100-150 μm in diameter, with significant increases in monoclinic phase concentration (from 12.2% to 21.3%) and surface roughness. Similar features were observed on the surface of explanted ZTA heads, with 33% monoclinic phase after 2.7 years in vivo. ConclusionBased on data collected from ZTA retrievals, this artificial aging test underestimated the amount of phase transformation in vivo. Phase transformation and surface roughening of ZTA heads steadily increased without reaching a plateau, which may lead to stress concentrations and weakening of the ceramic material, and could result in late fracture and wear.

Climate specific accelerated ageing tests and evaluation of ageing induced electrical, physical, and chemical changes

AbstractAs the PV market shows enormous potential with huge growth rates especially in climatic‐sensible regions, specific artificial ageing test procedures are a key point for an efficient and fast product development of new PV modules/materials optimized for the use in specific climatic regions. Based on the definition of four climate profiles (dry and hot—arid, moderate, humid, and hot—tropical and high irradiation—alpine), a program was worked out with 14 climate specific test conditions for accelerated ageing tests. The big challenge in this respect was the adaption/advancement of existing standard procedures for PV modules/components testing in a way that reliable testing for certain climatic conditions optimized PV modules is possible. The time‐dependent repeated application of combined climatic and environmental stresses (temperature, temperature cycles, humidity, irradiation, mechanical load, salt mist) was used to induce performance losses, material degradation, and failures in test modules which resemble those effects occurring in real‐life PV installations under comparable climatic and environmental conditions. For this demanding task, a large number of identical test modules with respect to composition and module design was manufactured. A detailed nondestructive analysis/characterization of all modules was performed: (1) before; (2) during (six intermediate stages); and (3) after the accelerated ageing test. The nondestructive characterization methods used to follow the module's ageing processes throughout the whole accelerated ageing procedure were current‐voltage characteristics measurements and electroluminiscence images for the electrical performance evaluation and ultraviolet fluorescence (spectroscopic and imaging) measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy as well as colour measurements of the backsheets outer layer for recording of chemical changes of the encapsulant and backsheet. The electrical and material characterization data were incorporated in an optimized database. As stated above, a set of three identical modules was exposed together in the respective climate specific ageing tests and subsequently characterized in order to increase statistical reliability of the measuring results. The analysis of the data and first approaches of advanced data treatment have already clearly shown that the electrical and material degradation of the test modules is dependent on (1) the type and combination, (2) duration, and (3) mode (sequential versus constant) of the stresses applied. On the one hand, the simulation of environmental stresses like heavy snow and wind load and enhanced frequency of temperature cycling resulting in cell cracks and cell connector breakage could be demonstrated. Additional treatment in salty atmosphere, on the other hand, did not show an accelerating effect on degradation on the electrical or material side. The accelerating effect of enhanced temperature, humidity, or additional irradiation on the degradation of power and materials could be shown very well. Direct evidence for the formation of acetic acid and lead‐acetate in the encapsulant ethylene vinyl acetate after prolonged damp‐heat exposure could be found and directly related to cell corrosion effects paralleled by power losses.

Biodegradable extruded thermoplastic maize starch for outdoor applications

In the recent years, great progress was achieved in the development of biodegradable products based on agricultural raw materials. Among them, one of the most promising and diffused biomaterials is represented by starch. For this reason, different approaches have already been explored to use starch as a natural source for the production of biodegradable thermoplastic polymers. However, there is still a lack of a controlled, easy and cheap procedure to process maize native starch in order to obtain a highly performing thermoplastic polymer. The purpose of this paper is the development of a simple and reproducible method able to produce a thermoplastic starch that can be easily transformed into extruded objects, suitable for several potential applications. To reach this aim, a proper plasticizer was added to a commercial maize starch at different concentrations corresponding to mass fraction from 50 to 70% (in the following text %). The effect of the different amounts of the plasticizer on the processability of the starch powder was assessed by varying the parameters during the extrusion process. The interaction of the structure of starch with the plasticizer, firstly, and the final thermal and physical–mechanical properties of the extruded thermoplastic starch samples, secondly, were analysed by using several techniques: differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, UV transmittance, moisture absorption, colorimetric and mechanical tests. The samples containing 50% of plasticizer, in possess of the best physical and thermal performances, were further characterized in terms of durability, in order to predict their lifetime in outdoor conditions, by using artificial ageing tests, such as moisture absorption and QUV accelerated weathering tests.

Association between the artificial aging test and the natural storage of coffee seeds

Abstract: The accelerated aging test is recognized as an efficient method for evaluating the vigor of seed lots and for estimating their storage potential. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the association between artificial aging and natural storage of coffee seeds, through the correlation factor analysis. Seeds of four cultivars of Coffea arabica L. (Catuaí Amarelo, Arara, Catiguá, and Mundo Novo) and one of Coffea canephora Pierre (Apoatã) were used. Part of the newly-harvested seeds were aged in a growth chamber under controlled temperature and relative humidity conditions (42 ºC and 100% RH) for periods of 0, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days. The other part of the seeds was stored in tri-wall paper packaging for a period of 2, 4, and 6 months in a non-climate-controlled environment. Artificial aging allows predictions on the storage potential of coffee seeds, although the artificial aging periods depend on the cultivars.

Analysis of Dry-heat and Humid-heat Artificial Aging Characteristics of Hanji for Restoration of Paper Cultural Heritage

Various kinds of paper cultural heritages have been designated and managed at the national level. These paper cultural heritages are easily affected by external environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, and can be easily damaged by physical forces. In order to repair the damaged cultural properties, traditional Hanji made of mulberry fiber has been used as restoration paper, which has excellent quality in terms of strength and preservation. We selected three kinds of Korean paper (Hanji) which were utilized for repair and restoration, and conducted the deterioration experiments in order to evaluate the influence of temperature and humidity. As a result of the artificial aging test, it was found that Hanji was more damaged by dry heat than humidified heat. Optical properties of the traditional Hanji was poorer than that of the modernized Hanji before and after the artificial aging. However, the tradition Hanji showed superior physical properties such as paper strength and degree of polymerization of cellulose than the modernized Hanji. Specially, the traditional Hanji without bleaching showed poor optical properties while its strength properties were more stable than that of the modernized Hanji.

Stratigraphy, petrophysical characterization and 3D geological modelling of the historical quarry of Nueva Tabarca island (western Mediterranean): Implications on heritage conservation

The historical quarry of the Nueva Tabarca fortress (Mediterranean Sea, SE of Spain) was developed in a complex sedimentary Miocene deposit. Five lithostratigraphic units have been defined, including different lithologies such as breccias and microconglomerates (Unit 1), massive and laminated lithoarenites (Units 1, 3 and 5), calcarenites and biocalcirudites (Units 2 and 4). A complete stratigraphic description of this sequence has been carried out, as well as the petrophysical characterization of the most significant lithologies including the analysis of rock durability as well as hydraulic and mechanical properties. Regarding durability, the softest rocks correspond to those from the Unit 4, whilst samples from Units 2 and 5 are the most durable. Three weathering patterns were observed during the artificial ageing test according to both the velocity and intensity of the sample decay. Each pattern is explained according to water-circulation possibility through the rock, its porous system, and the mechanical strength. Rock weathering in monuments of Nueva Tabarca is quantified and discussed according to the results found in the laboratory. Several decay forms are observed in the building stones (mainly differential erosion, alveolization, and rounding forms). Both 3D photogrammetric and 3D geological model of the historical quarry were elaborated in order to quantify the extracted volume of building stones, differentiating the specific quarried percentage of each lithology. Correlation between the results obtained in the volumetric analysis of the historical quarry and the building stones used in the monuments has been carried out. 3D models were also used for determining the remaining rock volume in the current outcrops. Finally, a set of recommendations for future conservation works of the architectural heritage are proposed after the current availability of the different rock varieties and their petrophysical behaviour.

Stone weathering under Mediterranean semiarid climate in the fortress of Nueva Tabarca island (Spain)

The Nueva Tabarca fortress constitutes an exceptional example of baroque architectural heritage. However, the aggressiveness of the local environment and the low suitability of the used building stone cause their fast deterioration. The hydro-mechanical properties of the building stones, the characteristics of their porous system (open porosity and pore size distribution), the global climate of the island and the particular microenvironmental conditions of each studied monument explain the weathering process acting on the porous limestone of Nueva Tabarca.Results reveal that Halite crystallization and wind erosion are the main weathering agents. On the one hand, wind plays a critical weathering action because it controls the salt crystallization process, the abrasion by wind-blown particles, as well as the wind-driven rain impact. Different weathering forms are related to each erosion mechanism. On the other hand, the relative humidity in the island determines the agressiveness of the halite crystallization process. Salt damage activity was calculated quantifying not only the number of halite crystallization-dissolution transitions, but also the duration of the driest periods.Finally, a novel parameter (Equivalent Years, Yeq) is defined in order to quantify the representativeness of standarized artificial ageing tests. Yeq expresses the number of years of natural ageing required for achieving the same weathered state of rocks after laboratory procedures. A wide range of Yeq values are obtained for the studied rocks (from 8 to 165 years), showing a strong dependency with both the exposure time as well as the agressiveness of the environment.

Artificial ageing of glass with sand abrasion

The strength of glass is governed by the condition of its surface which deteriorates progressively as surface flaws accumulate on exposure to weathering action during its service life. Therefore, knowledge of the strength of naturally aged glass is crucial in order to ensure its safe use in load-bearing applications. Artificial ageing tests can be very useful in this regard, but they have traditionally focused on degradation in light transmittance properties rather than the strength of glass. Experimental testing has been undertaken in this study to investigate the effectiveness of a falling abrasive method for the artificial ageing of glass. Abrasive medium is allowed to fall freely on monolithic glass and induce a random surface flaw population. 390 annealed glass specimens grouped in 26 series were artificially aged using different combinations of ageing parameters. The specimens were subsequently subjected to destructive and non-destructive testing to determine the influence of each ageing parameter and to establish a combination that produces strength characteristics similar to those of naturally aged glass. Existing artificial ageing recommendations were found to significantly overestimate design strengths by up to 253% at low probabilities of failure, Pf=0.008 and are therefore, deemed unsafe. However, it was found that the falling abrasive method using a different combination of ageing parameters provides good correlation to the strength of naturally aged glass.

Artificial rain accelerated aging test of HDPE pin insulators for medium voltage distribution in Brazil

High density polyethylene (HDPE) is a polymer commodity widely used in manufacturing of polymer pin insulators (PIN) for medium voltage distribution. The major problem to be faced in the use of HDPE by PIN manufacturers is their low resistance to oxidative degradation in the processing step and/or the prolonged exposure of HDPE-PIN to weathering and operation voltage for a long time. This work presents the experimental results on artificial ageing test of 15 kV commercial HDPE-PIN specimens for distribution system application in Brazil. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR/ATR) for chemical analysis, UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRUV-Vis) for band-gap (Eg) evaluation, contact angle (CA) for determination of polar surface tension (γΡ) components and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphological surface analysis were conducted on aged and unaged specimens. Chemical analysis results of ATR/FTIR confirmed the occurrence of oxidation reactions with significant increase of polar groups C=O at tested HDPE-PIN specimens. It was also observed a significantly increase on the contribution of γp to the surface energy for all HDPE-PIN after 500 hours of accelerated aging time. The experimental values of Eg for aged commercial HDPE-PIN samples suggest that the accelerated aging test produces structural defects in commercial HDPE-PIN samples. The SEM micrographs reveal cracks, pinholes and degradation in the form of crystals and cavities after 3,500 hours of accelerated aging test in all HDPE-PIN specimens. The physicochemical performance of the aged commercial HDPE-PIN specimens analyzed in this work indicates that the HDPE resin was not formulated to be suitable for performing in tropical medium voltage environments.

Weathering of Two Anti-Graffiti Protective Coatings on Concrete Paving Slabs

The durability of anti-graffiti coatings is of special relevance since, unlike other protective treatments, they are not only affected by environmental factors, but also by often aggressive cleaning procedures. However, little is known about the long-term performance of either permanent or sacrificial coatings. This study explores the durability of two commercial coatings on concrete paving slabs under both natural and artificial ageing tests. The results of this research show that a fluorinated polyurethane and a crystalline micro wax weathered in less than 2000 h in a chamber with UVB radiation and after one year of outdoor exposure in the south of England. The former weathered by getting yellow and dark, and eventually, only under the accelerated ageing test, by losing its adhesion to the concrete slabs, and the latter weathered by getting dark, cracked and by reducing its water repellency under natural conditions. Cleaning efficiency of the protected surfaces from graffiti paints was therefore diminished, particularly when pressurized water spray was used on the polyurethane coated surfaces, since the treatment was partially removed and the concrete surface eroded.

Determination of Processing Windows for the Hot Stamping of AA7075

Hot stamping of aluminium alloys is a tailored forming process, with the assigned processing windows determining the quality of each hot stamped component in terms of its post-form strength. In this work, a processing window calculator, ‘Tailor’, was developed in order to define the optimal processing parameters that should be used in a production line to successfully produce a component with the desired post-form strength using hot stamping. ‘Tailor’ was developed using the results of forming tests, air-cooling tests and multi-stage artificial ageing tests, which provided guidance on the values for the die closing force, transfer time and artificial ageing time to be used in the hot stamping process. The effectiveness of ‘Tailor’ was demonstrated in two case studies.

Seed vigor evaluation based on adversity resistance index of wheat seed germination under stress conditions.

A total of 16 wheat cultivars were selected to detect seed vigor of different genotypes using standard germination test, seed germination test under stress conditions and field emergence test. The adversity resistance indices of seed vigor indices and field emergence percentage under different germination conditions were used as the indices to evaluate adversity resistance. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis were used for the comprehensive evaluation of seed vigor. Results showed that drought stress, artificial aging and cold soaking treatments affected seed vigor to some extent. The adversity resistance indices of the artificial aging and cold soaking tests were significantly positively correlated with the field emergence percentage, while the adversity resistance index of drought stress test had no significant correlation with the field emergence percentage. 16 wheat cultivars were classified as three groups based on the principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Yunong 949, Yumai 49-198, Luyuan 502, Zhengyumai 9987, Shimai 21, Shannong 23, and Shixin 828 belonged to high vigor seeds. Xunong 5, Yunong 982, Tangmai 8, Jimai 20, Jimai 22, Jinan 17, and Shannong 20 belonged to medium vigor seeds. The other two cultivars, Chang 4738 and Lunxuan 061, belonged to low vigor seeds.

Equivalence between solar irradiance and solar simulators in aging tests of sunglasses.

BackgroundThis work is part of a broader research that focuses on ocular health. Three outlines are the basis of the pyramid that comprehend the research as a whole: authors’ previous work, which has provided the public to self-check their own sunglasses regarding the ultraviolet protection compatible to their category; Brazilian national survey in order to improve nationalization of sunglasses standards; and studies conducted on revisiting requirements of worldwide sunglasses standards, in which this work is inserted. It is still controversial on the literature the ultraviolet (UV) radiation effects on the ocular media, but the World Health Organization has established safe limits on the exposure of eyes to UV radiation based on the studies reported in literature. Sunglasses play an important role in providing safety, and their lenses should provide adequate UV filters. Regarding UV protection for ocular media, the resistance-to-irradiance test for sunglasses under many national standards requires irradiating lenses for 50 uninterrupted hours with a 450 W solar simulator. This artificial aging test may provide a corresponding evaluation of exposure to the sun.MethodsCalculating the direct and diffuse solar irradiance at a vertical surface and the corresponding radiant exposure for the entire year, we compare the latter with the 50-h radiant exposure of a 450 W xenon arc lamp from a solar simulator required by national standards.ResultsOur calculations indicate that this stress test is ineffective in its present form.ConclusionsWe provide evidence of the need to re-evaluate the parameters of the tests to establish appropriate safe limits for UV irradiance.SignificanceThis work is potentially significant for scientists and legislators in the field of sunglasses standards to improve the requirements of sunglasses quality and safety.

Durability of a sunlight-curable organic–inorganic hybrid protective coating for porous stones in natural and artificial weathering conditions

Abstract Several weathering aging tests were performed for assessing the durability of an innovative sunlight photopolymerizable nanostructured organic-inorganic (O-I) hybrid coating, namely HYBRIDSUN. The latter was applied on a calcarenitic porous stone typical of Apulia Region, Italy (Lecce Stone, i.e. LS) and photo-cured by means solar radiations up to 55 h. The protective performances of the stone specimens treated with HYBRIDSUN, when exposed to both realistic and accelerated weathering conditions, were studied by performing natural and artificial aging tests, such as resistance to abrasion, salt crystallization, freeze-thaw and SO2 in moist environment. The effects of the natural and artificial weathering aging on hydrophobicity and color change of treated stones were, finally, monitored, upon to two exposure years to outdoor conditions, confirming the outstanding properties of the experimental product to protect the stone surface from all the environmental agents investigated.

Efecto del método de envejecimiento artificial sobre la germinación de semillas de maíz

Some of the recommended tests to evaluate physiological quality of seed with increased accuracy cannot be commonly practiced due to the high costs of equipment From the selection of seed obtained at the “Centro de Genética del Colegio de Postgraduados in Montecillo, México”, various laboratory trials were conducted to obtain higher precision and economic efficiency that would allow for artificial ageing tests. Maize seed from the open pollinated variety “Huamantla” with 91 % germination was placed over a wire mesh in metal pots, glass jars and plastic boxes of various sizes. Distilled water was added to each of these containers leaving an open space between the water and the seeds. The air tight containers were placed In both a drying oven and a germination chamber, calibrated to 42+/- 1C for 96 hours. The Interior environment was assumed to approach high levels of relative humidity (85-100%). The results demonstrated a lowering of germination from 1 to 82% depending on treatment. In this sense the plastic box treatment (9.5 x 8.0 x 4.5 cm) placed in the germinator was more efficient with a reduction in germination of 82% and the metal pot placed In the drying oven resulted In being less efficient (1 to 5%) respectively. It was also observed that seeds placed in the plastic boxes absorbed more moisture than the metal boxes which explains the Increased deterioration found for the latter.

Correlation between natural exposure and artificial ageing test for typical marine coating systems

ABSTRACTNatural exposure test at Sanya and artificial ageing test were carried out for four kinds of typical marine coating system, respectively. The gloss, surface morphology, coating impedance, and infrared spectra of the coatings were measured with methods of SEM, EIS, and FT‐IR. The correlation between results from artificial ageing test and natural exposure test was discussed. The fluorocarbon paint showed longer ability to remain high gloss than polyurethane paint. The xenon lamp ageing test and natural exposure test led to similar changes in surface morphology of the coatings. For polyurethane paint under both tests, with extended testing time micropores and cracks occurred gradually on the surface, meantime the coating gloss decreased. The increase of the defect area corresponded well to the decrease of the coating gloss, suggesting that the degradation extent of the coating surface could be reflected by the gloss measurement. The rank correlation study showed that the results by 60 d, 150 d, 300 d, 360 d, and 450 d natural exposure, respectively, were very close to those by 228 h, 443 h, 841 h, 1958 h, and 4013 h artificial ageing test. Hence, the artificial xenon lamp ageing test may be used to simulate natural exposure test at Sanya. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43893.

Preparation, characterization of nano-silica/fluoroacrylate material and the application in stone surface conservation

A series of fluoroacrylate (FPA) and nano-silica/fluoroacrylate were prepared. The properties including physical properties, mechanical behavior and contact angle of FPA were investigated. According to the results, the optimal fluoride content can be screened. The nano-silica/fluoroacrylate (SiO2/FPA) materials were characterized by fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The surface morphology and mineralogical analysis of the stone samples were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The prepared coating was selected to protect on the stone surface. Aimed at evaluating the coating performance, the protective performances were also evaluated by artificial aging test. The results indicated that when the content of hexafluoro-butyl methacrylate (HFMA) was 8.0 wt% and the content of SiO2 was 4.0 wt%, the prepared material has good compatibility and appearance with stone relics. The protective coating material for protection of chosen Jiaoshan Steles Grove (China) is noticeable and it can be widely applied to the protection of stone relics.

Preparation and artificial ageing tests in stone conservation of fluorosilicone vinyl acetate/acrylic/epoxy polymers

AbstractIn this work, a series of fluorosilicone vinyl acetate/acrylic/epoxy (FVAE) polymers for protection of stone relics were prepared with different content of hexafluorobutyl methacrylate (HFBMA) by the seed emulsion polymerization process. Properties and structure of FVAE materials were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Viscosity, particle size, surface tension, gel content, adhesion and surface hardness of polymer materials were also determined. Surface morphology of the stone sample was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Compared with a commercial copolymer, ethyl methacrylate/methyl acrylate (EM/MA, Paraloid B72), protection ability of the prepared FVAE polymer was investigated using artificial ageing tests such as the freeze-thaw aging test, acid aging test and the soluble salts aging test. It was found that the FVAE polymers prepared can effectively prevent corrosion caused by H

Electrical performance evaluation of plasticized polyolefin formulation developed for manufacturing surge arresters housings

The performance and reliability of the electric power systems can be enhanced with the development of new polymer formulations, offering new concepts in equipment housing design and application. This paper reports the electrical and physicochemical properties of plasticized formulations based on HDPE, developed specifically for surge arresters housings. Plasticized HDPE surge arrester housings, 15 kV, were manufactured at ISO-9001 by one-shot injection molding technique. HDPE housed surge arresters were submitted to performance tests according to IEC 60.099-4 and exposed to artificial electrical aging tests and then physicochemically and electrically characterized. The physicochemical characterization comprised analysis by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and contact angle measurements. The FTIR results confirm the microstructural modifications of the aged HDPE due to oxidation phenomena, probably involving the formation of alcohol or carboxylic groups at surface level of surge arresters housings. The DSC technique shows no significant variation of the HDPE amorphous and crystalline content as a function of the electrical aging conditions. The TGA kinetics analysis shows significant changes in the activation energy for thermal degradation of the electrical aged and unaged HDPE surge arresters housings. The results obtained have demonstrated that the plasticized HDPE formulation has good stability at high electrical field and appears to be suitable for use in manufacturing surge arresters housings.

Artificial aging paper to assess long-term effects of conservative treatment. Monitoring by infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF)

The long-term performance of the conservation–restoration treatment applied in Moroccan libraries has been questioned, to predict and rank the behavior of restored papers under extreme conditions of storage. This study was conducted to assess the effect of aging on the restoration process, in particular the aqueous de-acidification treatment. For this purpose, dry heat (at 90±2°C) and moist heat (100% of relative humidity and 90±2°C) accelerated aging tests were performed for 1, 3, 7, 21, and 28days. Fifty samples taken from four restored Moroccan manuscript papers dating to the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries including the Japanese paper used for restoration were artificially weathered. A three-analytical approach has been selected to monitor the effects of weathering on paper components by comparing the results of virgin and artificially aged samples; the diagnosis approach is based on the use of attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF). ATR-FTIR spectroscopy allowed us to identify the major structural modifications of cellulose, including the alteration of the hydrogen bond network (3000–3600cm−1 region) and the desorption of paper residual water content indicated by the decline of the band at 1641–1647cm−1 in the dry heat aged samples. The oxidation of cellulose is the dominant mechanism of alteration during the moist heat process. It was shown that the crystallinity of cellulose is reduced as the bands at 1425, 1370, and 900cm−1 significantly decreased. XRD was used to compare the crystal phase of un-aged and aged papers and the results showed a remarkable decline in cellulose crystallinity, as evidenced by the strong decrease of crystalline index (CrI%) calculated after artificial aging. EDXRF results showed that both artificial aging tests affected the paper elemental composition, especially in what concerns Ca amount, although not for all aged papers.