Degradation behavior of palm-leaf manuscripts in tartaric acid environments with different pH levels
Source abstract
Abstract
Abstract As an important traditional carrier material, palm leaf scriptures are highly susceptible to environmental acid and alkaline conditions during long-term storage, leading to a series of degradation phenomena. This study investigated the degradation behavior of palm leaf scriptures after immersion in tartaric acid at different pH values (6.5, 5.0, and 3.0) for 30 days using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), four-dimensional infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that with decreasing pH, cellulose and hemicellulose degradation accelerated, with hemicellulose degradation being the most severe. This resulted in structural damage and a decrease in crystallinity (from 28.0 % to 21.8 %), leading to increased color change (significantly increased ΔE), enhanced water absorption, and more severe microstructural damage. Comprehensive analysis revealed that the synergistic effects of acidic hydrolysis and microbial attack in the acidic environment accelerated the structural degradation of palm leaf scriptures. These findings provide a scientific basis for understanding the degradation patterns of palm leaf scriptures in acidic environments and developing appropriate preservation strategies.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Advanced Cellulose Research Studies · Lignin and Wood Chemistry · Wood Treatment and Properties
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
School of Materials Science and Engineering , Wuhan University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430081 , China
Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology , Zhengzhou 450000 , China
Chinese Academy of Cultural Heritage , Beijing 100029 , China
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