Study of the photo-oxidation of mass-deacidified papers

The photo-oxidation sensitivity of deacidified papers was studied using pre viously developed testing equipment based on the measurement of oxygen cons umption by the paper sample. Samples deacidified by five processes were eva luated: Battelle, Bookkeeper, DEZ, FMC and Sable. The aim was to study the degradation mechanisms, analyzing the effect of the Mg and Zn deposited ove r the samples on the photo-degradation mechanism. To accelerate the process , pure oxygen, high temperature and intense illumination were used. By mean s of infrared, mechanical and physical analysis, it was suggested that the presence of basic compounds enhances the photoyellowing. Cellulosic ring ox idation and the cleavage of the glycosidic bond were observed.