Paper Conservation ILaajuus (8 ECTS)

Objective

The course provides the student with basic knowledge of chemical paper conservation. Students carry out a long-term washing/neutralizing aging study. Students get familiarized with different reactions of papers due to changes in moisture content as well as drying and straightening processes.

The aim of the second part of the course is to provide the student with knowledge of the basics of physical paper conservation (dry and wet cleaning, paper splitting, consolidating), filling, pulp filling.

Content

The theoretical part covers the decomposition of paper (cellulose) with emphasis on acidification and oxidation as well as delaying the decomposition process. There will be theory and practical assignments covering washing and neutralizing methods. Reactions of papers due to changes in moisture content are also studied as well as pulp neutralizing and bleaching treatments.

The focus of second part of this course will be on paper cleaning, filling, and consolidating both in theory and in practice. The course covers practical assignments and conservation tasks.

Further information

Coursework includes lectures, practical assignments, neutralizing/aging task.