A Bibliographical Survey of Mass Deacidification Methods
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English Slovak |
| ISSN: | ISSN 0034-5806 |
| Online Access: | http://www.viks.sk/chk/res_2_91_75_103.doc |
| Abstract: | Conclusions. Despite the numerous studies dedicated to mass treatments, it is clear, as could have been expected, that there is still no miracle method. It is also clear that many questions still remain unanswered: Wei T'o. Can books be left for more than 24 h at a minimum temperature of 50°C? Can the length of the cycle be reduced? Does the paper's mechanical resistance improve? Can paper containing lignin be treated? What is the precise cost per book? Has the problem of CFC been resolved? Is the system completely safe and nontoxic? Archival Aids. Can the books really be kept for 32 h at 60°C? Can the length of the cycle be reduced? Has any testing been carried out to evaluate the use of CMME? Are the pH values and alkaline reserves uniform? Can paper containing lignin be treated? What is the precise cost per book? Has the problem of CFC been resolved? Is the system absolutely safe and nontoxic? Bookkeeper. Are the results obtained uniform? Is the deacidification complete? What is the precise cost per book? Has the problem of CFC been resolved? Is the system absolutely safe and nontoxic? Diethyl zinc. Can the books be kept for more than 10 h at more than 50°C? Can the length of the cycle be reduced? Can the photosensitivity of zinc oxide be accepted even if the books are kept in the dark? Do the books always have to be kept in the dark? What is the precise cost per book? Is the system absolutely safe and nontoxic? BPA. Can the length of the cycle be reduced? Can paper containing lignin be treated? What is the precise cost per book? Is the system absolutely safe and nontoxic? Vienna. Is it possible to reduce the length of the cycle? Are the pH values and alkaline reserve uniform? What is the precise cost per book? FMC. What is the exact cost per book? Has the problem of CFC been resolved? Is the method absolutely safe and nontoxic? Parylene. Can the treatment be combined with a mass deacidification technique? What is the precise cost per book? The proposed treatments are still not perfect. Many improvements should and must be made. It also seems that, in the future, the perfection of a method of mass treatment will no longer be the responsibility of either a library or a conservation centre but rather that of a multinational chemical company. This could perhaps be an indication of safety, but by no means must this mean neglecting collaboration with curators and conservators with regard to their specific requirements. Finally, the last requirement is evaluation of the methods. Individual testing of every method, and for different types of papers with either dry or humid accelerated aging is not enough. On the other hand, the results of tests comparing the different methods using the same paper samples are not yet available. Studies of this type are in progress in different institutes,75 especially at the Institut royal du Patrimoine artistique, and the results from such studies should guide conservators in making their choice. Summaries. Fifteen methods for mass deacidification are described. Their basic techniques are reviewed as well as their advantages and disadvantages. Published information on the methods being evaluated practically has been supplemented with information obtained through contacts with the treatment centres. |
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| ISSN: | ISSN 0034-5806 |
