Effects of Wollastonite Nanofibers on Biological Resistance of Historical Paper against Aspergillus Niger

Effect of wollastonite nanofibers on biological resistance of historical paper against Aspergillus niger was studied. Specimens from A4 papers were also prepared for comparison purposes. Paper specimens were dipped in aqueous nanowollastonite (NW) with 10, 20, 30, and 40% concentrations and compared with control specimens. In order the nanofibers be fixed on paper specimens, 5% of polyvinyl acetate (PVA) resin was added to all nanosuspensions. Moreover, in order to find out the effect of PVA on fungal growth, a separate set of specimens was prepared dipped in a 5% resin solution, without nanowollastonite content. Results clearly demonstrated the preventing effect of wollastonite nanofibers on the growth of A. niger, resulting in significant decrease in weight loss as NW-content increased. It was concluded that as to the mineral, non-toxic, and non-acidic nature of wollastonite, it can effectively be used for paper preservation and conservation purposes. In this regard, NW-content of 20% is recommended to the industry to both achieve a high level of protection against A. niger, and keep the preservation costs to the minimum level.