Evaluation of Performance of Enzruth Gum Extract in Removal of Stains Caused by Hand Contact from Historical Papers

Clearing of paperwork and documents is one of the main steps in protecting and restoring these works. Considering the fact that the stains generated by hand contact due to numerous page turning of books on the surface of the paper, the appearance and aesthetics of the book pages are distorted. It also chemically degrades cellulose tissue; therefore, removing it is important in the process of protecting paper documents. Different methods and chemicals are used to remove various stains on paper, including organic solvents which are flammable and toxic, therefore, the use of some methods and materials for paperwork, as well as the health of restorers and even the environment, are hazardous. This research evaluates the Enzruth gum extract at different concentrations for removing stains generated due to hand contact, based on the advice of ancient texts, in order to resolve such problems. Maceration (soaking) method was used to extract gum. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to evaluate the sample with historical samples and colorimetric, pH-meter methods, macroscopic and microscopic observations with digital loop were used to evaluate the detergent rate of the extract. The results of observations and calculations of color variations and acidity indicate the cleansing power of the hydroalcoholic extract of Enzruth gum with an increase in its concentration with respect to the stain density thus, a more favorable and acceptable cleansing can be evaluated. This research is an applied and analytical-descriptive method that resulted in the finding of documents and experimental data, and finally conclusions were obtained by analyzing the information gathered