Research on the paper cultural relics reinforced by various cellulose solutions

Abstract Paper relics tend to deteriorate and become brittle during long-term preservation. Cellulose as a major component of paper is commonly utilized for reinforcing paper materials. In this study, the solutions of cellulose were prepared using three different solvents: 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl),1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([Bmim]Ac) and N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide hydrate (NMMO/H 2 O). A dyeing and labeling method is employed to demonstrate that these solutions could effectively penetrate into the interior of the paper and form regenerated cellulose. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed the formation of a continuous cellulose layer on the surface of the treated paper samples. All samples were subjected to the same reinforcement procedure followed by accelerated aging tests. The mechanical properties, whiteness, and chromatic aberration of the samples were evaluated. Results indicated that the solution of cellulose dissolved in [Bmim]Ac achieved the most favorable balance between reinforcement efficacy and preservation of the original paper properties, when the amount of cellulose added was 6 g/m 2 , the tensile index increased by 26.16 %, with a chromatic aberration value of 1.86 observed before and after reinforcement. That study provides a new approach for the application of cellulose solutions in the conservation of paper-based cultural heritage.