Polyvinyl alcohol and allyl α, α'‐trehalose copolymers for a sustainable strengthening of degraded paper

Acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of glycosidic bonds is the most important degradation mechanism affecting cellulose-based materials. It results in decrease DP and loss original mechanical properties. The neutralization acidity therefore one efficient ways to hamper cellulosic artworks. However, case acidic strongly degraded artifacts, addition deacidification, a consolidation treatment must be performed. To this aim, new class biopolymers, obtained by synthetic procedure that considers principles Sustainable Chemistry, was investigated. Three allyl saccharide/vinyl acetate copolymers, having different molar ratios between starting monomers, were prepared using α,α'-trehalose, used synthesize corresponding alcohol copolymers. use saccharide derivatives as monomers improves affinity compatibility biopolymer with artifacts treated. After characterization, efficacy copolymers strengthening paper evaluated tests. effective system thus selected for further testing. Its performance compared Klucel G®, commercial product belonging cellulose derivatives, which are largely conservation practice.