J.IIC-CG VOLUME 4 (1979)

Degradation of Cellulose in Conservation Bleaching Treatments

Helen D. Burgess, James F. Hanlan

Five methods of immersion bleaching were examined for their relative degradative effect upon cellulose fibres from a cotton linter source. The evaluation of the bleaching techniques included estimation of cellulose acidity, carbonyl group content, and the viscometry average degree of polymerization, both after bleaching and after bleaching plus accelerated thermal aging. The bleaches tested were pH 9.0 hypochlorite, pH 7.0 hypochlorite, pH 4.5 hypochlorite, chlorite/chlorine dioxide and stabilized hydrogen peroxide. The results of the analyses are reported and discussed along with suggestions for the use and application of these bleaches for conservation.

[ download not available ]