Beneficial effect of gelatin on iron gall ink corrosion

Abstract Iron gall Inks corrosion causes paper degradation (browning, embrittlement) and treatments were developed to tackle this issue. They often include resizing with gelatin reinforce the its cellulosic fibers (of diameter approx. 10 µm). This work aimed at measuring distribution of ink components scale individual so as give a better understanding impact (re-)sizing on iron corrosion. For purpose, scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) was used Canadian light source synchrotron (CLS, Saskatoon). technique combines nano-scale mapping (resolution 30 nm) near edge absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) analysis. Fe L-edge measurements enabled map locate iron(II) iron(III) rich areas. N K-edge measurement made it possible distribution. C allowed discrimination cellulose, gallic acid, precipitate gelatin. Three studied: an inked fiber no size, sized that afterwards sprayed Analysis ingredients indicated lower amount inside treated fiber, which may explain beneficial effect .