The Effects of Relative Humidity on Some Physical Properties of Modern Vellum: Implications for the Optimum Relative Humidity for the Display and Storage of Parchment

Hansen, Eric; Lee, Steve N.; Sobel, Harry

doi:10.1179/019713692806066600

Cited by 34 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…It is known that the moisture content (water) in parchment changes depending on the external conditions to which it is exposed, and this also causes changes in its physical-chemical properties [33,34]. For example, the temperature of denaturation of collagen in collagen-based materials is directly related to its moisture content [9,15].…”

Section: Sample Preparationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Studies on the effects of mixed light-thermal ageing on parchment by vibrational spectroscopy and micro hot table method

Cappa

Paganoni

Carsote³

et al. 2020

Herit Sci

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The damaging effects of mixed light-thermal ageing on parchment were studied by exposing mock-ups to artificial light (162 W/m 2 irradiance) at controlled temperature and relative humidity (52 °C, 30% RH) for up to 748 h, with testing being made during this time incrementally. The physical-chemical changes (deterioration) resulting from these conditions were analysed by applying FTIR-ATR and Raman spectroscopy, colorimetric measurements and MHT. The deterioration found includes the formation of collagen-destabilised intermediate states which then progressively convert to disorganised structures, e.g. pregelatinised collagen and gelatin. The process is characterized by molecular changes of collagen associated with its photo-oxidation. These are shown by changes in the position and intensity of the main FTIR absorption bands of collagen, namely those of Amide I, Amide II, and Amide III, as well as by the occurrence and the increase of a shoulder at 1740 cm −1. The shrinking activity of the collagen fibres in the parchment mock-ups was measured by the micro-hot-table (MHT) method, which revealed the presence of multiple collagen populations with distinct thermal stabilities and confirmed the deterioration pattern suggested by the molecular changes.

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Section: Sample Preparationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Studies on the effects of mixed light-thermal ageing on parchment by vibrational spectroscopy and micro hot table method

Cappa

Paganoni

Carsote³

et al. 2020

Herit Sci

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“…Scientific research relating to the ideal long-term storage conditions for parchments demonstrated that the standard 50–65 % relative humidity that exists for the conservation of artifacts in many American and European collections can encourage the further deterioration of ancient, degraded collagen. Recommendations were therefore made to store the Archimedes Palimpsest at lower moisture levels of 30 % relative humidity with a cyclic variation of ±5 % relative humidity [ 15 ]. When first examined by the Walters senior conservator Quandt, the Archimedes Palimpsest exhibited significant damage (Fig.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Combined Approach to Assess the Microbial Contamination of the Archimedes Palimpsest

et al. 2014

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A combined approach, using molecular and microscopic techniques, was used to identify the microbiota associated with the Archimedes Palimpsest, an unusual parchment manuscript. SEM analyses revealed the microbial damage to the collagen fibers and the presence of characteristic cell chains typical of filamentous bacteria and fungal spores. Molecular analysis confirmed a homogeneous bacterial community colonizing the manuscript. The phyla Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were associated with this ancient parchment; the sequences were most related to uncultured clones detected in the human skin microbiome and in ephitelium, and to cultivated species of the genera Acinetobacter and Nocardiopsis. Nevertheless, a great variation was observed among the different sampled areas indicating fungal diversity. Blumeria spp. dominated in the healthy areas of the parchment while degraded areas showed disparate fungal communities, with dominant members of the genera Mucor and Cladosporium. In addition, the quantification of the β-actin gene by real-time PCR analyses (qPCR) revealed a higher fungal abundance on degraded areas than on the healthy ones.

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“…We have not identified any studies on cellulosic material that suggest this kind of sorption behavior; however, published studies on the hygroscopic behavior of parchment corroborate our findings. In general, parchment absorbs and desorbs a significant amount of water with changes in RH conditions (Mecklenburg, 1988;Hansen et al, 1992). It has been found that absorption time is generally slower than desorption time and that historical parchment has a higher and quicker sorption curve than modern parchment (Dernovskova et al, 1995).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Mechanics of Art Materials and Its Future in Heritage Science

Rogala¹,

DePriest²,

Charola³

et al. 2019

Preprint

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<div>In late 2016, “The Mechanics of Art Materials and Its Future in Heritage Science: A Seminar and Symposium” was held at the Smithsonian Institution’s historic Arts and Industries Building. Organized by the Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute (MCI) and the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation, the two-day event brought experts in mechanics research from across the globe to discuss current and future trends in the study and preservation of cultural heritage. Speakers represented a continuum of innovative mechanics research in the cultural heritage sector, from its origins at the Smithsonian to current professionals working to shape the field and train future generations of scholars. The event began with the popular paint mechanics workshop created and taught by MCI senior research scientist emeritus Marion Mecklenburg, condensed into a single-day seminar of lectures and discussion. The second day featured an international group of speakers and case studies on the state of mechanics research around the globe, with an afternoon program focused on emerging U.S.-based speakers and their thoughts on the future of the field. This volume reflects a collaborative view of cultural heritage research in mechanics; beginning with a review of mechanics research at the Smithsonian Institution and followed by the nine papers presented by the symposium speakers, this publication incorporates the work of 15 national and international research centers. The Appendix includes a bibliography of Dr. Mecklenburg’s publications and his previously unpublished 1982 report on the mechanical behavior of painting materials.</div>

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The Effects of Relative Humidity on Some Physical Properties of Modern Vellum: Implications for the Optimum Relative Humidity for the Display and Storage of Parchment

Cited by 34 publications

References 13 publications

Studies on the effects of mixed light-thermal ageing on parchment by vibrational spectroscopy and micro hot table method

Studies on the effects of mixed light-thermal ageing on parchment by vibrational spectroscopy and micro hot table method

A Combined Approach to Assess the Microbial Contamination of the Archimedes Palimpsest

The Mechanics of Art Materials and Its Future in Heritage Science

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