Focus has primarily been on proton-induced hydrolysis when evaluating the mechanism of deterioration occurring in cellulosic material exposed to acid. However, it is apparent upon conducting hydrolysis experiments with different acids that there is contribution from the anions. This study focuses on how acids with different anions react with cellulose materials. Mechanical testing with tensile strength and fold testing reveals that there are differences in the mechanical behavior of cellulose material. Infrared spectroscopy, coupled with gas chromatograpy-mass spectrometry and gel permeation chromatography provides information on the byproducts of deterioration and the effects on the polydispersity of the cellulose polymer after degradation with different acids. This information provides the heritage science community with insight into the mechanisms of deterioration observed in cellulosic artworks, and how the presence of different acids impact the long-term stability of this artwork.

Anionic effects in the acid-induced hydrolysis of cellulose

251st National Meeting (2016)

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