Comparative Study of Four Consolidants Used for Cellulosic Supports

Abstract

Consolidation is defined, as “the action of reinforcing or bringing strength to something”. This same name is given to the treatment that returns cohesion and stability to the fibers of a damage paper. In this research, we present the evaluation of four polymers widely used as consolidants for cellulosic supports, these consolidants are: gelatin, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose and Arabic gum. These four consolidants were evaluated alone and mixed between them, using statistical design in order to evaluate the synergistic or inhibitory effect. We understand by synergism to the phenomena that occurs when the action of a substance is reinforced by the action of another one; and by inhibition the phenomena that occurs when the presence of a substance reduces the action of other one.

The concentrations on each of the consolidants were established in order that they had the same viscosity; this assures the same penetration into the paper fibers. The cellulosic support chosen, was a mid-thickness Japanese paper (kozo). Samples were evaluated before and after the consolidation treatment, then aged under controlled temperature, and evaluated again. Conclusions are presented.