Contributions to the 6th AICCM Book, Paper & Photographic Materials Symposium. 17-19th November 2010, Melbourne. p58-63
Abstract
This paper explores three additives that were observed to generally enhance the removal of discolouration from paper during washing. The additives included two chelating agents; ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) and triammonium citrate (TAC); and ammonia solution. The investigation explores the possible mechanisms for the enhanced washing as well as the potential impacts that these solutions might have on paper. A literature review and preliminary testing with X-ray florescence (XRF) spectroscopy were undertaken in order to begin addressing these points. The XRF analysis identified that the two chelating agents were removing significant quantities of calcium and inhibiting the re-uptake of calcium during a buffered wash. Further analysis revealed that a deionised water rinse after the use of either of the chelating agents allowed calcium to be redeposited in the paper in a subsequent buffered wash.