Stabilisation of iron gall ink containing paper

The world's libraries, archive and museums are faced with the immense problem of preserving countless documents, endangered by the corrosive properties of their on gall ink. A non-aqueous conservation method, enabling massive approach, treatment of bound volumes and water sensitive items is desperately searched for. This project aims at development of a new non-aqueous paper stabilisation treatment based on a combined action of alkali and antioxidants. The effect of preventive antioxidants as well as chain-breaking ones will be studied using state-of-the-art experimental and analytical techniques. In addition to establishing better conservation practices, enabling preservation and undisturbed access to the numerous artefacts threatened by ink corrosion, the project will substantially increase present knowledge of ink compositions, oxidation mechanisms as well as offer new analytical methodology.