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Accelerated and Natural Aging of Cellulose-Based Paper: Py-GC/MS Method
Alexander Kaszonyi1, Lívia Izsák1, Milan Králik1
1Department of Organic Technology, Catalysis and Petroleum Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Bratislava I, 81237 Bratislava, Slovakia.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 14, 2022
Summary
Pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) reveals how paper ages. Analysis at 300°C shows increased cellulose degradation products, indicating chemical structure changes over time.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Conservation Science
Background:
- Paper degradation impacts historical documents and materials.
- Understanding cellulose and lignin decomposition is crucial for preservation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify paper decomposition products using Py-GC/MS.
- To correlate aging with chemical changes in paper components.
- To explore cellulose degradation pathways.
Main Methods:
- Studied artificially and naturally aged paper samples.
- Utilized Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) at 300°C and 500°C.
- Analyzed cellulose and lignin decomposition products.
Main Results:
- Acetic acid identified as a potential cellulose degradation catalyst.
- Increased cellulose decomposition products (e.g., 2-furancarboxaldehyde, levoglucosan) observed with aging at 300°C.
- No correlation found between lignin products and aging time at 300°C and 500°C.
Conclusions:
- Py-GC/MS at 300°C provides insights into paper aging and cellulose β(1→4)-glycosidic bond cleavage.
- Decomposition products at 500°C reflect the original paper composition.
- Py-GC/MS is a valuable tool for assessing paper degradation.
