Dismantling the Linen Clumping Paper by Using Cellulytic Enzyme

Abstract

There are many reasons that lead to the clumping of paper, such as differences in temperature and humidity, but one of the most significant factors affecting this phenomenon is the biological damage, represented by the effect of microorganisms on their constituent components. This study aimed to evaluate Aspergillus terreus RS2 cellulase as a solution to unwind the leaves and study its effect on the mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of the leaves. The study methodology relied on exposing the linen papers to artificial aging followed by natural aging to reach the agglomeration state, then dismantling the leaves using Aspergillus terreus RS2 cellulase and evaluating its effect on the paper using digital microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, measuring the mechanical properties, color change, FTIR and pH. The results proved the success of the enzyme in separating the leaves and strengthening their mechanical and natural properties. Finally, the conducted process using the produced enzyme was applied to restore and conserve a manuscript dating back to the twelfth century AD.