Seminar proceedings - National Research Laboratory for

SEMINARPROCEEDINGS,EMERGINGI
NNOVATIONSINMANUSCRIPTCONSE
RVATION,CRITICALASSESSMENTAN
DFUTURENEEDS,JANUARY2324,2008
SEMINARPROCEEDINGS,EMERGINGI
E M E R G I NG I N N OV A T I O NS I N
NNOVATIONSINMANUSCRIPTCONSE
M A NU S CR I P T
C O N SE R V A T I O N
RVATION,CRITICALASSESSMENTAN
--CRRIITTICCA L A SSEESSS MEN
NTT A ND FU
UTTU
URREE
DFUTURENEEDS,JANUARY23N
NE ED
DSS
24,2008
SEMINARPROCEEDINGS,EMERGINGI
NNOVATIONSINMANUSCRIPTCONSE
B.V. Kharbade
RVATION,CRITICALASSESSMENTAN
DFUTURENEEDS,JANUARY2324,2008
SEMINARPROCEEDINGS,EMERGINGI
NNOVATIONSINMANUSCRIPTCONSE
SEMINAR PROCEEDINGS
JANUARY 23-24, 2008
1|Pa ge
SEMINAR PROCEEDINGS
EMERGING INNOVATIONS IN
MANUSCRIPT CONSERVATION
-CRITICAL ASSESSMENT AND FUTURE NEEDS
JANUARY 23-24, 2008
B.V. Kharbade
Organiser
Regional Conservation Laboratory (Unit of NRLC), Siddarthanagar,
Mysore.
Sponsorer
National Mission for Manuscripts, (IGNACA), New Delhi.
Contents
Page
Preface
1
Presentations
1. Use of traditional materials and techniques in manuscript
conservation.
3
2. Alteration and modification of cellulose acetate lamination.
7
3. Evaluation adhesive for palm leaf manuscripts.
18
4. Use of oxygen free environment in manuscripts.
25
Profile of Research Team
34
Critical Assessment and Future Needs
36
Future Plans
42
Recommendations
43
Appendix 1
44
Appendix 2
45
SEMINAR PROCEEDINGS
EMERGING INNOVATIONS IN
MANUSCRIPT CONSERVATION
-CRITICAL ASSESSMENT AND FUTURE NEEDS
JANUARY 23-24, 2008
B.V. Kharbade
Organiser
Regional Conservation Laboratory (Unit of NRLC), Siddarthanagar, Mysore.
Sponsorer
National Mission for Manuscripts, (IGNACA), New Delhi.
Contents
Page
Preface........................................................................................... ...................1
Presentations
1. Alteration and modification of cellulose acetate lamination... …3
2. Use of traditional materials and techniques in
manuscript conservation………..………………………..…....7
3. Use of oxygen free environment in manuscripts………….......18
4. Evaluation adhesive for palm leaf manuscripts…………….....25
Profile of Research Team………………………………………...34
Critical Assessment and Future Needs………………………….36
Future Plans………………………………………………………42
Recommendations………………………………………………..43
Appendix 1………………………………………………………...44
Appendix 2………………………………………………………...45
Preface
It was decided in the meeting of Directors, Dr. Sudhagopalan, National
Manuscript Mission, New Delhi, Shri. S.K. Singh, Department of
Culture, Dr. M.V. Nair, Director, N.R.L.C., Lucknow and other experts
held on May 11-12, 2006 at RCL, Mysore to allot research projects on
manuscript conservation to Regional Conservation Laboratory (Unit of
NRLC), Mysore under the guidance of B. V. Kharbade, Scientist and
Head with duration of one year. With the signing of MOA
(Memorandum of Agreement), six researchers were appointed and the
work on the following projects was started from the month of October
2006.
1. Use of traditional materials and techniques in manuscript
conservation.
2. Alteration and modification of cellulose acetate lamination.
3. Evaluation adhesive for palm leaf manuscripts.
4. Use of oxygen free environment in manuscripts.
In one of the progress review meeting held on, in the chamber of
Joint Secretary, IGNCA, New Delhi. It was suggested that the results
on the projects, obtained within a short time are quite encouraging, so,
why can’t it be brought in to the knowledge of the actual users or
beneficiaries who deals with conservation and management of
manuscripts. In the same meeting, it was decided to hold seminar
inviting the senior level officials from Governmental and nonGovernmental museums, archives and other cultural institutions. Theme
of seminar was phrased as “Emerging innovation in manuscript
conservation – critical assessment and future needs” and decided to
hold on January23-24, 2007.
This seminar is organised as a part of the activity of the research
projects with the financial assistance from National Mission for
Manuscripts, an autonomous mission, under the Ministry of Culture,
Govt. of India which is now merged with Indira Gandhi National
Center for Art., New Delhi. The seminar could not have been possible
with out the financial assistance from NMM.
On behalf of the National research Laboratory for conservation of
Cultural property, the author of these proceedings would like to thanks
the authorities and the institutions for making this seminar successful.
Author would like to thanks especially to Dr. M.V.Nair, Director,
NRLC for acquiring a Research Projects from National Mission for
Manuscripts and providing him an opportunity to be a principal
investigator of the projects and all the laboratory facilities for carrying
out the project works.
Presentation– 1: A alteration and modification of
cellulose acetate lamination.
Cellulose acetate, discovered by Schutzenberger in 1869 used first time in
lamination by New York Public Library probably in 1934 and just in two years by
National Archives in India. The use of Cellulose acetate lamination was
increased manifolds in India after simple solvent lamination method developed
by Shri. Y.P. Kathapalia of National Archives in 1958. Though, the researches
on cellulose acetate lamination carried during 1980 in USA, Australia discard the
use of cellulose acetate as it attributes to acidity in paper, this system is still
being used extensively in India mainly due to lack of alternative method.
Therefore, an immediate need has been felt to find out an alternative to cellulose
acetate lamination or to modify the existing methods.
It is reported that Cellulose acetate releases acetic acid on hydrolysis in hot and
humid condition and when the free acid level goes to 0.5mq/g, the hydrolytic
degradation reaction becomes auto catalyzed. Those reactions can be arrested
if the free acid level of the laminated paper is kept below the level of 0.5mq/g.
Therefore, it is thought of building an alkaline reserve in two tissue papers to be
used in lamination. The different methods for alkaline reserve building were
evaluated but Barrow’s two step method using calcium hydroxide and calcium
carbonate and single step magnesium bi-carbonate were found suitable. While
keeping optimum opacity in tissue paper, alkaline reserve up to 2 – 4% in tissue
paper was built by multiple application and the reserve estimated by the simple
Kelly’s titrimetric method with the formula as;
Calculation of Alkaline reserve =
1000(ml of acid × normality of acid) - (ml of alkali× normality of NaOH)
________________________________________________________________
Weight of sample
The samples were laminated in the laboratory with alkaline reserve tissue
Result expressed in meq / kg and (%) percentage
paper prepared in the laboratory and then kept for accelerated aging test.
Alkaline reserve of the laminated manuscript samples was estimated before
and after accelerated ageing by the same method as discussed above and
the results is shown in figure 1 concludes that
1.20%
1.00%
0.80%
a
0.60%
b
0.40%
c
0.20%
0.00%
with out
ageing
3 days
aging
6 days
aging
Figure-1 graph shows trends in retention of alkaline reserve built in laminated paper samples
before and after subjecting them to accelerated ageing test ; a-samples laminated with tissue
paper with reserve of 3% MgCO3, b- samples laminated samples laminated with tissue paper
with reserve of 3% MgCO3 + CaCO3 , c- samples laminated with tissue paper with reserve of 3%
CaCO3.
modification made in the existing lamination system with alkaline reserve in
tissue paper works satisfactorily without any harmful effect on the
manuscripts.
Along with the above work, to find out alternative to cellulose acetate
lamination was attempted in which the data available on films of cellulose
polymers were collected, Table 1 which shows that ethyl cellulose gives
better option among all other films.
Table 1: Properties of film forming cellulose derivatives likely to be used in paper lamination
S.
No
1.
Property
Reagent
Cellulose
acetate
Cellulose
propionate
Cellulose
+acetic acid +
acetic
anhydride
Cellulose
+acetic acid
+prop ionic
acid
Cellulose
acetate
butrate
Ethyl cellulose
Cellulose +
acetic acid +
butyric acid
Sodium salt of
cellulose +ethyl
chloride
+sulphuric acid
2.
Water
absorbtion
capacity 1/8in.
thik(%)
4.
Tensile
strength (Psi)
Hardness
5.
Flexibility
3.
6.
7.
1.7-4.5
1.2-2.8
0.9-2.2
0.3-1.8
2200-6900
1400-7200
1400-6200
3000-4800
To 122
To115
To112
To79-106
2500-104000
1700-10,000,
1800-92500
4700-6800
Fabric coating
Knob,
telephone
toys, finding,
tooth brush
-Hot
Melts
AdhesivesPaper coatings Fluorescent
Lighting
Absorbtion
capacity
is
low
Water
absorption
capacity is
low
as
compare to
cellulose
acetate
Its
water
absorption
capacity is very
low so it can use
for lamination
Uses
Conclusion
Cellulose
acetate have
more
water
absorbtion
capacity so, it
deteriorate
fast
Since the ethyl cellulose film is not available in India, powder ethyl cellulose
of M/s S.d. fine chemicals, Mumbai was used in our study. The film was
casted by spreading the solution of ethyl cellulose in toluene on a glass sheet
and the obtained thin film was peeled off after some time. The properties of
prepared ethyl cellulose film e.g. pH, color, flexibility, tensile strength were
measured by the standard methods. The manuscript samples were laminated
with ethyl cellulose film by solvent, toluene, laminated sample is readable,
clear without any fogginess, figure 2
Ethyl cellulose
A
A
Cast film of ethyl cellulose
B
B
C
C
Figure 2, shows the steps involved in ethyl cellulose lamination and comparison between ethyl
cellulose and cellulose acetate lamination. A. Cellulose acetate lamination, B. Ethyl cellulose
lamination, C. De-lamination
Laminated samples then subjected to accelerated aging test. The efficacy of
the lamination system was determined on the basis of pH, colour, flexibility
and transparency measurements before and after the accelerated aging of
the samples. Results show paper laminated with ethyl cellulose is
transparent, flexible very similar to that of cellulose acetate lamination. Paper
can be retrieved easily from ethyl cellulose lamination whereas cellulose
acetate lamination is irreversible.
Presentation- 2: Use of traditional materials in
manuscript conservation.
Since ancient times, India is known for the use of natural materials in
preserving households. In particular, Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves has
been used in storing food grains and other materials like books, rare
manuscripts etc. Some of the well known practices like application of turmeric
paste on skin, taking a bath with water boiled with neem leave, fumigating
home with the smoke of neem and negundo leaves and keeping the baby
child infected with chickenpox over the bed of neem leaves are still being
carried out in Indian villages. Dr. B.B. Lal, ex-archeological chemist, ASI
suggested to take up study on banana stem as he found interesting result
when the banana stem
extract was applied on wall infested with termites.
Woolen carpet stored with neem leaves in Maharaj Palace, Jaipur found in
good condition even after fifty years. Considering the properties and easy
availability, we have selected turmeric, tobacco, banana stem, neem, and
negundo leaves for this study,
Antifungal cloth and paper
A lot of scientific studies on turmeric, Curcuma Longa have been carried in
laboratories all over the world and proved it as potent drug for curing many
ailments including cancer. Considering that, it is thought to use this valuable
indigenous herb in conservation of manuscripts as no study is conducted so
far in this field. Use of herbal powders in cloth pouches in museum storage
and display cases has been reported elsewhere. This method cannot be
applied to turmeric, as it stains the objects very badly on contact. Hence, new
method to use turmeric in manuscript’s conservation was devised where the
extract of active ingredient of turmeric applied on the treated cloth and paper
samples with metallic mordant; ferrous sulphate, alum, copper sulfate,
potassium dichromate, tin chloride. The dyed cloth and paper samples were
evaluated for their antifungal, insect repellent and staining property. Active
ingredient of turmeric, Curcumin was extracted following CFTRI, method with
slight modification. Curcumin complexes with metallic mordants in-situ on
cloth and paper samples. Like turmeric, active ingredients from banana stem,
tobacco leave were extracted and fixed on cloth and paper samples, figure 3.
b
a
A
c
d
Figure3: (a) fabric samples impregnated with curcumin, (b).Handmade paper samples
impregnated with curcumin, (c) & (d). Fabric samples impregnated with tobacco leaf and
banana stem extracts.
Paper mats from Neem and Negundo leaves
Keeping dried neem twigs along with the art objects in storage cases is a
practice in some folk museums. But, such use is not advisable as it stains the
objects in humid condition. In this study, aromas of the neem and negundo
leaves were extracted by steam distillation method in Clevenger apparatus,
figure 4.
Figure 4: Aromas from Neem and Negudo leaves are extracted using Clevenger
apparatus based on the principle of steam distillation.
Collected aromas fixed on different paper mats impregnated with fixers,
Zeolite, sodium lauryl sulphate and sodium stearate. The paper mats
prepared in the laboratory by pouring the slurry of hand made acid free paper
in a die, figure 5.
a
b
c
Figure 5: Process of mat preparation, (a) Preparation of pulp and blending pulp with chemicals,
(b) Casting of paper mat with a mould, (c) paper mat
Bioassay of samples
All the samples; cloth and paper, mats, solid curcumin and its complexes,
extracts of tobacco, banana stem were tested for antifungal and insect
repellent properties following standard methods against 14 pure fungal
strains, commonly occurring in museum objects and silverfishes, book lice.
Figures 6- 9 show the different stages involved in bioassay.
Figure 6: Isolated fungal strains cultured in laboratory
Figure 7: Test plate showing growth inhibition at increasing concentration of test sample P.
chrysogenum and R. oligosporus.
Figure 8: Showing fabric and paper samples dyed with curcumin and curcumin-copper
sulfate complex effective in resisting fungal growth.
Figure 9: Showing the testing methodology and showing its effectivity in terms of
resisting fungal spore germination.
Table 2: Antifungal activity of curcumin and its complexes in 100,500 and 1000 ppm concentrations against 14 fungal strains using Neumannkeuls formula
Fungal strain
concentrations
100
Alum
500
1000
100
CuSO4
500
1000
100
K2Cr2O7
500
1000
100
FeSO4
500
1000
100
SnCl2
500
1000
100
Curcumin
500
1000
A.flavus
1.60
3.10
4.70
1.60
81.6
Complete
1.60
1.60
1.60
3.10
7.19
7.80
1.60
13.9
23.1
7.70
23.1
24.7
R.oligiosporous
5.41
14.8
29.7
A.parasiticus
10.7
16.0
29.1
24.3
Complete
Complete
1.60
7.15
9.76
2.71
3.14
4.80
8.92
12.1
21.63
12.3
12.7
20.6
1.79
13.8
56.2
1.79
1.79
8.93
5.36
7.60
7.15
1.60
20.8
22.8
1.79
13.8
31.5
A.nidulans
4.48
10.45
A.fumigatus
3.66
14.8
16.42
11.95
70.1
complete
8.25
11.5
12.6
4.39
7.57
19.29
13.44
25.38
29.11
11.95
13.44
13.44
21.96
3.86
17.3
24.9
5.76
12.8
14.3
8.93
10.49
10.37
6.83
12.9
19.2
3.07
3.39
F.solani
2.34
13.6
4.77
34.5
23.3
Complete
Complete
4.37
14.7
19.3
9.53
14.29
26.2
9.53
4.77
7.95
8.12
22.9
35.0
F.monilforme
2.5
15.0
15.0
6.00
12.5
15.0
1.60
3.40
10.5
2.53
5.54
12.5
16.25
16.25
18.21
2.5
16.25
16.25
A.niger
4.60
6.90
6.90
2.80
6.90
6.90
2.80
2.80
4.60
4.60
6.90
6.90
2.80
9.10
11.4
4.60
13.7
22.8
A.versicolor
7.26
11.5
19.3
9.68
16.1
34.7
3.23
12.1
12.1
9.68
12.3
14.7
8.76
22.26
23.89
5.73
6.46
7.46
P.oxalicum
1.82
3.58
7.15
31.5
Complete
Complete
1.60
7.15
8.23
9.2
14.29
17.86
7.15
14.29
14.29
7.58
13.0
13.8
P.chrysogenum
0.00
24.8
27.6
41.0
Complete
Complete
10.4
25.0
25.0
3.50
13.8
25.0
13.8
24.8
24.8
24.2
24.8
31.1
P.digitatum
10.35
13.8
20.69
10.35
17.25
Complete
7.25
17.9
20.2
17.2
17.2
19.0
6.9
6.12
11.32
6.67
10.35
22.8
N.crassa
(+)
(++)
(+++)
(+)
(++)
(+++)
(+)
(++)
(+++)
(+)
(++)
(+++)
(+)
(++)
(+++)
(+)
(++)
(+++)
T.viride
(+)
(++)
(+++)
(+)
(++)
(+++)
(+)
(++)
(+++)
(+)
(++)
(+++)
(+)
(++)
(+++)
(+)
(++)
(+++)
+
++
+++
Less growth inhibition
Good growth inhibition
Excellent growth inhibition
Table3: Antifungal activity of cloth samples impregnated with Curcumin and its complexes.
Fungal strain
A.flavus
R.oligiosporous
A.parasiticus
A.nidulans
A.fumigatus
F.solani
F.monilforme
A.niger
A.versicolor
P.oxalicum
P.chrysogenum
P.digitatum
N.crassa
T.viride
E
G
F
Excellent
Good
Fair
Alum
F
G
G
G
F
E
E
F
E
G
G
G
G
F
CuSO4
E
E
E
G
F
E
E
F
G
G
F
G
E
G
K2Cr2O7
E
G
E
F
F
G
G
F
E
F
G
G
E
G
FeSO4
G
F
G
G
F
G
G
F
G
G
G
F
G
G
SnCl2
E
G
E
F
E
G
G
G
F
G
G
G
F
F
Curcumin
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
G
F
G
G
F
F
G
Percentage of Growth Area < 10
Percentage of Growth Area ≤ 10
Percentage of Growth Area < 10 to ≤ 30
Table 4: Antifungal activity of paper samples impregnated with Curcumin and its complexes.
Fungal strain
A.flavus
R.oligiosporous
A.parasiticus
A.nidulans
A.fumigatus
F.solani
F.monilforme
A.niger
A.versicolor
P.oxalicum
P.chrysogenum
P.digitatum
N.crassa
T.viride
+
++
+++
Alum
(+)
(++)
(+)
(+)
(+)
(+)
(++)
(+)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(+)
(+)
CuSO4
(++)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(+)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(++)
K2Cr2O7
(+)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(+)
(++)
(++)
(+)
(++)
(+)
(+)
(++)
(+)
(++)
FeSO4
(++)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(+)
(++)
(+)
(++)
(+)
(+)
(++)
(+)
(++)
(+)
SnCl2
(+)
(++)
(+)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(+)
(+)
(++)
(+)
(++)
(+)
(+)
Curcumin
(+)
(++)
(+)
(++)
(+)
(+)
(+)
(+)
(+)
(+)
(++)
(+)
(+)
(+)
Less fungal growth resistance
Good fungal growth resistance
Excellent fungal growth resistance
Table 5: Antifungal activity of cloth samples impregnated with tobacco leaves extract and its complexes.
19 | P a g e
Fungal strain
Alum
F
G
F
F
F
CuSO4
E
G
G
G
F
K2Cr2O7
G
F
G
F
F
FeSO4
G
F
G
G
F
SnCl2
G
F
G
F
F
F.solani
E
E
G
G
G
F.monilforme
E
E
G
G
G
A.niger
F
F
G
F
G
A.versicolor
E
G
F
F
F
P.oxalicum
G
G
F
G
G
P.chrysogenum
G
F
G
F
G
P.digitatum
G
G
G
F
G
N.crassa
G
E
E
G
F
T.viride
F
G
G
G
F
A.flavus
R.oligiosporous
A.parasiticus
A.nidulans
A.fumigatus
E
G
F
Excellent
Good
Fair
Percentage of Growth Area < 10
Percentage of Growth Area ≤ 10
Percentage of Growth Area < 10 to ≤ 30
Table 6: Antifungal activity of paper samples impregnated with Tobacco leaves extract and its complexes.
+
++
+++
Fungal strain
Alum
CuSO4
K2Cr2O7
FeSO4
SnCl2
A.flavus
R.oligiosporous
A.parasiticus
(++)
(++)
(+)
(++)
(++)
(+)
(+)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(+)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(+)
A.nidulans
A.fumigatus
(+)
(+)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(+)
(+)
(+)
(++)
(++)
F.solani
(++)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(++)
F.monilforme
(++)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(++)
A.niger
(+)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(++)
A.versicolor
(++)
(++)
(+)
(+)
(++)
P.oxalicum
(++)
(++)
(+)
(++)
(++)
P.chrysogenum
(++)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(++)
P.digitatum
(++)
(++)
(++)
(+)
(++)
N.crassa
T.viride
(++)
(+)
(++)
(++)
(+)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(+)
(+)
Less fungal growth resistance
Good fungal growth resistance
Excellent fungal growth resistance
Table 7: Antifungal activity of cloth samples impregnated with Banana stem extract and its complexes.
Fungal strain
A.flavus
Alum
F
CuSO4
F
K2Cr2O7
F
FeSO4
G
SnCl2
F
E
G
F
R.oligiosporous
A.parasiticus
A.nidulans
A.fumigatus
F.solani
F
F
F
F
F
F
G
G
F
F
F
F
F
F
G
F
F
G
F
G
F
G
F
F
G
F.monilforme
G
G
G
G
G
A.niger
A.versicolor
P.oxalicum
P.chrysogenum
P.digitatum
N.crassa
T.viride
F
E
G
G
G
G
F
F
F
G
F
G
F
G
F
F
F
G
G
E
F
F
F
G
F
F
G
F
F
F
G
F
F
F
F
Excellent
Good
Fair
Percentage of Growth Area < 10
Percentage of Growth Area ≤ 10
Percentage of Growth Area < 10 to ≤ 30
Table 8: Antifungal activity of paper samples impregnated with Banana stem extract.
+
++
+++
Fungal strain
Alum
CuSO4
K2Cr2O7
FeSO4
SnCl2
A.flavus
R.oligiosporous
(+)
(++)
(+)
(+)
(+)
(++)
(++)
(+)
(+)
(+)
A.parasiticus
(+)
(+)
(++)
(++)
(+)
A.nidulans
(+)
(++)
(++)
(+)
(+)
A.fumigatus
(+)
(+)
(+)
(+)
(+)
F.solani
(++)
(++)
(++)
(+)
(++)
F.monilforme
(++)
(+)
(+)
(++)
(++)
A.niger
(+)
(+)
(+)
(+)
(+)
A.versicolor
(+)
(+)
(+)
(+)
(+)
P.oxalicum
(+)
(+)
(+)
(+)
(++)
P.chrysogenum
(++)
(++)
(+)
(+)
(+)
P.digitatum
(+)
(+)
(+)
(+)
(+)
N.crassa
(+)
(+)
(+)
(++)
(+)
T.viride
(+)
(++)
(+)
(+)
(+)
Less fungal growth resistance
Good fungal growth resistance
Excellent fungal growth resistance
Table 9: Antifungal activity of paper mats impregnated with essential oils from extracted from plants (A.
indica & V. negundo).
Fungal strain
Sodium
laurel
sulfate
Zeolite
Sodium
stearate
Sodium
laurel
sulfate
Zeolite
Sodium
stearate
A.flavus
R.oligiosporous
A.parasiticus
A.nidulans
A.fumigatus
F.solani
F.monilforme
A.niger
A.versicolor
P.oxalicum
P.chrysogenum
P.digitatum
N.crassa
T.viride
+
++
+++
(+)
(++)
(++)
(+)
(+)
(++)
(++)
(+)
(+)
(+)
(++)
(++)
(+)
(+)
(++)
(+++)
(++)
(++)
(+)
(+++)
(+++)
(++)
(+)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(+)
(++)
(+)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(+)
(++)
(++)
(+)
(+)
(+)
(+)
(++)
(+)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(+)
(++)
(+)
(++)
(+)
(++)
(++)
(+)
(+)
(+)
(+ +)
(+++)
(+)
(++)
(+)
(+++)
(+++)
(+)
(+)
(++)
(++)
(++)
(+)
(+)
(+)
(++)
(+)
(++)
(+)
(+)
(+)
(+)
(+)
(+)
(++)
(+)
(+)
(+)
Indicates less/ no growth inhibition
Indicate inhibition in c0omparison to control
Complete inhibition/ no growth
The experimental observation showing that essential oils from neem and negundo extracts in combination
with different carriers, among them essential oils in combination with zeolite as carrier shown good
activity.
Results show that, among the 14 fungal strains tested for growth inhibitory activity by
using prepared complexes (Curcumin and its metal complexes) in solid forms
(table1), copper complex of curcumin was found very effective in 500 and 1000 ppm
concentration against the strains tested but more effective against A. flavus, R.
oligiosporous, A. nidulans, F. solani, P. oxalicum, P. chrysogenum, P. digitatum, T.
viride and N. crassa. The antifungal activity of fabric samples and paper samples
dyed with same, tested by AATCC–30-1992 and ASTM-D-2020 method respectively,
the results were reported in the form of percentage (%) growth in presence of test
compounds and classified categorically. Results were very much similar to that of
solid samples, the test compound inhibited growth lower to higher was indicated in
order F<G<E, where E indicate Excellent (<10%), G indicate Good (10%) and F
indicate Fair (<10 to  30%). Likewise in the case of paper samples had shown
excellent fungal growth resistance with the use of curcumin - copper sulfate complex
in most of the fungal strains.
Meanwhile antifungal activity of fabric and paper samples dyed with tobacco leaves
extract was tested had shown good antifungal effectivity, where as banana stem
extract dyed fabric and paper samples found to prone to fungal growth.
The insect repellent and insect mortality activity of extracted aroma, in addition to its
antifungal activity was achieved and results showed insect (silverfish) killing in very
short time span, the fungal growth inhibitory effect was observed in most of the
fungal strains tested.
Presentation – 3
Part I: Use of oxygen free environment in manuscript conservation.
The concept of displaying and storing art objects in oxygen free environment
has now been transformed into the techniques for preserving works of art as it is
simple and can be modified accordingly to specific needs. The same technique is
applied in preservation of our valuable manuscript, “Constitution of India” in which
the prototype got constructed by hiring the services of Getty Conservation Institute,
USA in 1995. Shin Maekawa, Senior Scientist at Getty Conservation Institute has
been working since last more than 20years on use of oxygen free environment in
conservation and published a book but we did not find any reference on this
technique in Indian laboratories and universities except a private firm, Pest Control
Of India, who has been attempting to devise a prototype named as Anoxicator. The
work of GCI,USA prompted us to take up this project to develop such technology in
India.After going through available literature on the subject, a proto type was
designed and got it fabricated by the local scientific manufactures M/s. Murhopye
Scientific, Mysore, figure 10
The chamber was made out of Perspex sheet (Methylmethacrylate) and
layered with sun control film of M/s. Gareware India Limited, Mumbai. To keep the
chamber at 55% RH (relative humidity), required condition for manuscripts, properly
mixed dry and wet streams of nitrogen by rotameter was passed in to the chamber.
Figure 10: Prototype designed and got fabricated by Murhopye scientific, Mysore being used for carrying
out experiments under oxygen free environment. Oxygen of the chamber is replaced by purging Nitrogen
Figure 11: (A) The growth of foxed spots on paper is visible in 99% humidity whereas no
growth is observed when the paper is kept in developed prototype at 50% humidity (B). Iron
nail heavily rusted in high humidity and no rust found on nails kept in the prototype (c)
silverfish mortality is observed after keeping it in the prototype (D)
The oxygen content of the chamber was monitored by oxygen sensor (Ambiotronic
Private Ltd., Mumbai) and oxygen scavengers, Methylene Blue eye indicating tablets
supplied by M/s. HiMedia, Mumbai. The efficacy of the chamber was tested using
three phenomena Iron nail rusting, paper foxing and silverfishes mortality (figure11),
(Table10-12).
Table 10: shows change in oxygen and RH percentages of chamber on purging with nitrogen
(appropriate mixture of dry and wet nitrogen) at the different interval of time during a day.
Hours of Nitrogen
Oxygen (%)
RH (%)
10:00
20.2
51
11:00
0.9
50
12:00
0.2
52
13:00
-0.4
52
purging
14:00
-0.5
51
15:00
-0.5
51
16:00
-0:5
51
17:00
-0:5
51
18:00
-0:5
51
Table 11: Show gradual change of rusting on the nails at different RH conditions
50% RH (in oxygen
99% RH ( in
free chamber )
desiccator )
After 24hrs.
No change
Slight rust
No change
After 2days.
No change
Rusted
Slight rust
After 15 days
No change
Full rusted
Slight rust
Time(hrs)
Room RH
Table 12:
Showing
the
mortality
of silverfish at
different
conditions
Condition
Active
state
Inactive
state
Total
mortality
Dead Stage
Nitrogen +
Fungus ( in
chamber)
10:00am
1:00pm
4:15pm
6 hrs
15mins
Silver to black
Nitrogen +
Colony of fungus
( in chamber )
10:30am
12:15pm
4:30pm
6 hrs
Silver to light
black
Oxygen + fungus
( in desiccator)
10:30am
Alive from 5months
No change
Oxygen +
without fungus (
in desiccator)
9.30 am
Alive from 5months
No change
Observation
Rusting of nails was not observed inside the chamber whereas heavy rusting and
significant growth were seen when the paper and nails kept in desiccators at high
humidity. Mortality of silverfishes was very good in the chamber as shown in figure
11and table 11 and 12.Nitrogen retention capacity of the chamber was verified
experimentally by carrying out the nitrogen purging at different interval of day’s hours
for a week, besides, the changes in Oxygen percentage, relative humidity were
measured by hygrometer and oxygen detector inbuilt with the chamber as shown in
table 10.
Results show that the developed proto type can be used in display,
storage of artworks as well as in controlling museum pests.
Part II: Eco-friendly showcases
Humidity and air pollution are serious agents of deterioration of artworks. These
cannot be controlled unless HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and air conditioning) is installed
in Museum which is based on electrical power and needs air conditioning plants with
skilled engineers. India is not self sufficient in power owing to that we get a lot of power
failures even in metro cities. Therefore, there is a need to develop showcases which can
control relative humidity and air pollution automatically without using any electrical
gadgets. Custom made or designer showcases for museums are available in western
countries. Many researchers worked on developing buffered or RH stabilized museum
showcases and on this subject a body of literature is now available considering
hygrometric half life, 20kg of silica gel for 1cubic meter area has been recommended for
the climate of New Delhi which can stabilize the required level of humidity for one year.
Chemical energy has been used in the researches carried out in the West where
different forms of Silica gel, effective humidity absorbent materials, kept inside specially
designed showcases. In this project an attempt was made to develop a proto type
showcase where the relative humidity and gaseous pollutants like sulphur dioxide,
nitrogen dioxide and organic humitents from wood and ply board, adhesives used in
fabrication of showcases are controlled. The proto type got fabricated in the laboratory
using perspects sheet as shown in figure
The proto type got fabricated in the laboratory using Perspex sheet. The
calculated quantities of Silica gel (figure12.A&B), Zeolite (figure12.C) and Activated
charcoal (figure12.D) as per the equation worked out and placed in the chambers as
shown in (figure13). The effect of gaseous pollutants was assessed by introducing the
fumes of acetic acid, formic acid in the chambers and observing their corroding effect on
silver object.
A. Silica gel before moisture absorption
C: Natural form of Zeolite
B: Silica gel after moisture absorption
D: Forms of activated carbon
Figure 12.(A,B,C,D) showing moisture absorbing material placed inside chamber
Figure13:
Prototypes of showcases, fabricated out of Perspex sheet in the laboratory having two unequal
compartment, 1 cubic feet volume of upper one , divided by drawer
RH inside the chambers and of the room was measured for about 4-5 months by
hygrometer and thermo hygrograph, calibrated every week by hand held whiling
hygrometer and the data presented graphically as follows
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Temperature
inside room
RH inside room
RH inside
showcase1
9.3
12
2
4
6
RH inside
showcase2
Time(hrs) VS Temperature(oC)/RH(%)
Temperature(oC)/RH(%)
Temperature(oC)/RH(%)
Time(hrs) VS Temperature(oC)/RH(%)
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Temperature
inside room
RH inside the
room
RH inside
showcase1
9.3
12
Time(hrs)
Temperature
inside room
RH inside room
RH inside the
showcase 1
2
4
6
RH inside
showcase2
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
RH inside room
RH inside
showcase1
9.3
RH inside room
RH inside
showcase1
Time(hrs)
6
RH inside
showcase2
Temperature(oC)/RH(%)
Temperature(oC)/RH(%)
Temperature
inside room
4
2
4
6
RH inside
showcase2
Time(hrs) VS Temperature(oC)/RH(%)
Time(hrs) VS Temperature(oC)/RH(%)
2
12
Time(hrs)
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
12
RH inside
showcase2
Temperature
inside room
Time(hrs)
9.3
6
Time(hrs) VS Temperature(oC)/RH(%)
Temperature(oC)/RH(%)
Temperature(oC)/RH(%)
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
12
4
Time(hrs)
Time(hrs)/Temperature(oC)/RH(%)
9.3
2
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Temperature
inside room
RH inside room
RH inside
showcase1
9.3
12
2
4
6
RH inside
showcase2
Time(hrs)
Figure 14: Graphs showing RH inside chamber and surrounding measured at over the time
various periods.
The satisfactory stability of RH was achieved by keeping the calculated amount
of adsorbents on at least three sides of the chamber. However, keeping adsorbent at the
bottom side also showed good stabilization of +- 4-5 %RH. Besides, no any corroding
effect on silver objects was observed even after a period of 5 months.
Presentation–4: Evaluation of adhesives for palm leaf
manuscripts.
There are adhesives available for paper, textiles other cellulosic art objects but no
any attempt has been made so far to find out suitable adhesive for palm leaf
manuscripts though the need was felt since long time and it was discussed during
several national levels seminars and workshops. Considering that this study on
evaluation of available adhesives, natural and synthetic for palm leave manuscripts
is undertaken as one of the NMM’s research projects. Physics and chemistry of
adhesives have been studied extensively and a volume of literatures are available.
From the literature survey, some of the natural and synthetic materials are selected
for this study, Table 13.
Table 13: Natural and synthetic adhesives used in the study.
Adhesives Botanical
name/ zoological name
Order and family.
Vernacular names
Common Name
Chemical
constituents
Veteria indica linn.;
Gutteferales;
Dipterocarpaceae
San:Ajakarna, Hin:Safed
dammer, Ben:Chandrus,
Kan: Rala, Mal.Name:
payani.
White dammar
white dhup,
Indian copal,
Piney resin
B resens
Canarium strictum:
Sapindales, Burseraceae
San:Mandadhupa, Hin:Kala
damar, Ben: goguldhup,
Kan: Karedhupa, Mar:Dhup,
Mal.Name:
Karuttukaungiliam.
Acacia nilotica.; Rosales,
LeguminosaeMimosoideae.
San:Ajabaksha, Hin:Babbula,
Ben: Babul, Kan: Gobbali,
Mar:Kikar, Mal.Name:
karuvelakam.
Anogeissus latifolia,
Myrtales,
Combretaceae.
San:Baka, Hin:Bakla, Ben:
Bakli, Kan: Dindga,
Mar:Dhavada, Mal.Name:
Malakkanhiram.
Azadirachcta indica,
Meliaceae
San: Arishta, Hin: Balnimb,
Ben: Neem, Kan: Bevu,
Mar:Balantanimba,
Mal.Name: Arayaveppu
Kala dammer,
Black dammar.
Indian Gum
Arabic
Gum Ghatti
Neem
Pentacyclic
alcohol Alpha
and beta
amyrin
Rhamnose,
Glucuronic
acid
Glucuronic
acid, xylose
Glucuronic
acid, fucose
-
Tragancanth,
katira, Hog
gum, Indian
Tragancanth
Rhamnose,
Xylose or
fucose
San: laksha, Hin: lakh, Ben:
gala, Guj: lak,
Tel:kommolakka
Tam:Komburrk, Mal.Name:
arakku ambalu.
-
-
Wheat starch
-
-
-
Tamarind seed paste
-
-
-
Egg albumin
-
-
-
Casein (milk protein)
-
-
-
Animal glue
Impure form is termed glue
-
-
Gelatin
Purer forms, termed gelatin
-
-
Polyvinyl acetates (PVA)
-
-
-
Poly methyl metha acryl
ate (PMMA)
-
-
-
Pedicryl
-
-
-
Ethyl cellulose
-
-
-
Astragalus gummifer
Labill. Leguminosae/
Cochlospermum
religiosum
shellac(insect resin);
Laccifer lacca Kerr,;
Laccciferidae
Abbreviations : San: Sanskrit, Hin: Hindi, Ben: Bengali, Kan: Kannada, Mar:Marathi, Mal.: malayalum.
Guj: Gujarath.
About 23 formulations of single component and 16 formulations containing mixtures
of adhesives were prepared, (table14).
Table14: Details on the uni-component formulations prepared in the laboratory from the
selected adhesives.
Formulation No.
Method of preparation
0
F1
3 g of gum Arabic in 7ml water taken, warmed at 40 - 50 and other
components like Glycerin (0.25 g), calcium hydroxide (0.006 g) and 2 drops
of clove oil (preservative) were added with stirring to make homogenous
solution.
0
F2
3 g of gum Arabic in 3ml water taken, warmed at 40 - 50 and other
components like Glycerin (0.006g), starch (1g) and 2 drops of clove oil
(preservative) were added with stirring to make homogenous solution
F3
3 g of gum Arabic in 3ml water taken, warmed at 40 - 50 and other
components like Gum Tragancanth (1g) and 2 drops of clove oil
(preservative) were added with stirring to make homogenous solution
F4
F1 method of preparation + Neem gum was used instead of gum Arabic
F5
F2 method of preparation + Neem gum was used instead of gum Arabic
F6
F3 method of preparation + Neem gum was used instead of gum Arabic
F7
F1 method of preparation + Gum Ghatti was used instead of gum Arabic
F8
2g of powdered Animal glue was taken in 5ml of cold water and heated at
0
65 c over water bath and other components like Glycerin (3g) and 2 drops
of Formaldehyde (preservatives) were added then mixture stirred to make
homogenous solution.
F9
3g of powdered Animal glue was taken in 2.9ml of cold water and heated at
0
65 c over water bath and other components like 2 drops of Formaldehyde
(preservatives) were added then mixture is stirred to make homogenous
solution
0
F10
F9 + gelatin used instead of animal glue
F11
F10 + gelatin used instead of animal glue
F12
5g of casein powder dissolved in 18 ml lime water by triturating it
continuously to form homogenous solution.
F13
One raw fresh egg white were added with 2 drops of formaldehyde by
stirring continuously and used as adhesives.
F14
4.5 gram of powdered lac dissolved in 20ml ethanol and other components
like Rosin (1.5g), 0.5 ml Turpentine and Barytes (3.5grm) were added by
triturating it continuously with pestle and mortar. So that Rosin blended
with shellac to give required degree of hardness.
F15
Mix the 500 g Wheat flour with a little water in an aluminum or enamel pan,
the lumps, being broken up with the hand to form a smooth cream. Boil the
remainder 2.5 liters of water separately and add it to the cream, stirring
continuously. Raw paste is heated not directly but by standing the pan is a
container of water kept boiling (double Pan.) it should be stirred meantime
and will soon thicken. After 10 minutes it may be decanted in to a suitable
vessel and to prevent a crust forming Small quantities should be removed to
a pasting dish and thinned with water as required.
F16
F17
3g of Powdered tamarind seed mixed with 2ml of warm water to that
mixture 1 drop of glycerin is added. So by stirring to avoid lumps.
3g of powdered white dammar dissolved in toluene (15%) and added other
components like Glycerin (0.25g), wax (0.25g) and 2 drops of clove oil in the
formulation then mixture is triturated still homogenous solution.
F18
0.5g of powdered Black dammar dissolved in toluene (10%) and added
other components like Glycerin (0.25g), wax (0.25g) and 2 drops of clove oil
(preservative) in the formulation then mixture is triturated still homogenous
solution.
F19
1g poly venial acetate (PVA) dissolved in toluene (10%) then this PVA
adhesive are of emulsion type were used
F20
2.5 g poly methyl metha acrylic (PMMA) is dissolved in toluene (15%) and by
stirring to form homogenous solution.
F21
0.25g of Carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC) soaked in 60ml of water then after
1 hour CMC dissolves completely into solution and by stirring to form
homogenous solution.
F22
1 g EC dissolved in 10 ml toluene.
F23
Pedicryl, applied directly to the edges of palm leaf to study adhesive power.
Table 15: Details on the multi-component adhesive formulations prepared in the laboratory form
selected adhesive materials.
Formulation
Components
M1
White dammar + Black dammer + Oil + wax
M2
Black dammer + wax + oil
M3
Gum Arabic + black dammar + wax + oil
M4
Gum Arabic + Shellac + black dammar +wax + oil
M5
Neem Gum + black dammar +wax + oil
M6
Neem Gum +Shellac + black dammar + wax + oil
M7
Gum Ghatti +Black dammer + wax + oil
M8
Gum Ghatti + Shellac + Black dammer + wax + oil
M9
Gum Arabic + egg albumin + black dammar wax + oil
M10
Gum Arabic + Casien + black dammar + wax + oil
M11
Neem Gum + egg albumin + black dammar + wax + oil
M12
Neem Gum + casein + black dammar + wax + oil
M13
Gum Ghatti + egg albumin + Black dammer + wax + oil
M14
Gum Ghatti + casein + Black dammer + wax + oil
M15
Wheat starch + Egg albumin + gum Arabic + Black dammer + wax + oil
M16
Wheat starch + Casein + Gum rabic + Black dammer + wax + oil
Viscosity, surface tension of all the adhesive formulations were measured by simple
Viscometer and Stalagnometer before applying on the samples of palm leaf
manuscripts and the tensile strength of the samples after mending with the adhesive
formulations was also measured by simple apparatus, designed in the laboratory as
shown in figure 15. pH of all adhesive formulation was measured by pH meter,
besides their colours were also recorded.
To ascertain the strength of the adhesive formulations on ageing, tensile strength of
the samples was measured before and after subjecting the samples to accelerated
ageing test. Results are presented in tables 15, 16 and figures 16-20
Stalognmeter
Viscometer
Fig 15: Displays viscometer, stalognometer, viscosity and surface tension measuring equipments and a laboratory
made apparatus for measuring tensile strength of adhesive bond.
3
F2
9
7
1
F2
F1
Formulations
5
F1
F 23
F 21
F 19
F 17
F 15
F 13
F9
F 11
F7
F5
F3
F1
0
F1
1
3
2
F1
3
1
4
F1
5
F9
pH
6
F1
7
F7
8
F5
9
F3
300
284
268
252
236
220
204
188
172
SURFACE 156
TENSI ON 140
124
108
92
76
60
44
28
12
-4
10
ADHESIVE FORMULATIONS
pH
Figure 16: Shows the trend in pH of
adhesive formulations
Figure 17: curve indicates the changes in surface
tensions of adhesive formulations
7
6
5
4
VISCOSITY
VISCOSITY
3
2
1
0
F1
F3
F5
F7
F9
F11
F13
F15
F17
F19
F21
F23
ADHESIVE FORMULATIONS
Figure 18: Bar chart shows variations in viscosity of adhesive formulation
Tensile Strength
6000
5700
5400
5100
4800
4500
4200
3900
3600
3300
3000
2700
2400
2100
1800
1500
1200
900
600
300
0
Be f or e a gi ng
F1 F5 F9 F13 F17 F21
Af t e r a ging
Formulations
Figure 19 Bar chart displays the changes in bond strength of adhesive formulations after mending the
palm leaf samples and before and after accelerated ageing test
600
500
400
Tensile
300
Strength
200
Before aging
After aging
100
0
M1
M4
M7
M10 M13 M16
Mixture Formulations
Figure 20: Bar chart shows bond strength of multi-component adhesive formulations measured after
mending the palm leaf samples and before and after accelerated aging tests.
Table 15: Comparative study of properties of adhesive formulations.
Formulation
PH
Surface
tension
(dynes/cm)
Viscosity (cps)
Color
Tensile
strength of
adhesive
bond in (pa)
Before
ageing
F1
6.8
63.02
1.144
Light brown
690.7
221.79
F2
6.9
58.45
1.214
Dull brown
2370.1
126.73
F3
7.01
59.54
1.156
1996.2
101.37
F4
F5
F6
F7
6.84
7.5
7.23
7.32
65.85
66.45
64.04
66.54
1.018
1.005
1.144
1.023
1818.2
3132.9
1692.08
3529
69.69
189.47
373.8
969.6
F8
5.9
59.58
1.984
3529
1774.4
F9
5.6
57.85
1.141
2965.8
2338.4
F10
7.4
66.88
0.984
Light yellow
3821.44
3041.9
F11
6.3
60.05
2.064
Light yellow
7497
1964.5
F12
6.1
64.06
2.123
Light yellow
144.49
1615.7
F13
7.9
62.45
0.974
1977.2
76
F14
9.3
59.58
1.004
3365.1
2604.6
F15
F16
F17
7.4
5.4
5.6
61.05
55.85
71.19
1.084
1.045
1.578
Light yellow
Whitish
brown
Dark brown
Brown
White
2886
95.06
984.8
171.1
63.3
57.03
F18
7.28
72.95
3.98
Light brown
1045.6
475.3
F19
6.88
85.65
5.597
Light white
3642.7
1711.0
Brownish
yellow
Dark brown
Grayish red
Grayish red
Gray colour
Whitish
brown
Whitish
brown
Tensile
strengthof
adhesive
bond in
(pa) After
ageing
F20
F21
6.68
6.45
291.90
150.69
3.225
5.049
White
colorless
475.30
57.02
487.3
38.03
F22
7.8
-
-
white
4182.6
2490.5
F23
7.9
-
-
white
4213
1692.0
An adhesive is considered good if it has normal pH with less surface tension and high
viscosity
TABLE 16: Data of tensile strength of mixture Formulations
Formulation
Component
Load taken
(before
ageing) ( gm )
Load taken
(After
ageing)
(gm)
93.33
35
M1
White dammar + Black dammer + Oil + wax
M2
Black dammer + wax + oil
38
34
M3
Gum Arabic + black dammar + wax + oil
248
208
M4
Gum Arabic + Shellac + black dammar +wax +
oil
166
96.66
M5
Neem Gum + black dammar +wax + oil
48
21.6
M6
Neem Gum +Shellac + black dammar + wax +
oil
216
108.33
M7
Gum Ghatti +Black dammer + wax + oil
391
191.6
541
25
375
100
191.66
88.33
M8
M9
M10
Gum Ghatti + Shellac + Black dammer + wax +
oil
Gum Arabic + egg albumin + black dammar wax
+ oil
Gum Arabic + Casien + black dammar + wax +
oil
M11
Neem Gum + egg albumin + black dammar +
wax + oil
225
86.88
M12
Neem Gum + casein + black dammar + wax +
oil
333.33
170
M13
Gum Ghatti + egg albumin + Black dammer +
wax + oil
211.66
51.66
M14
Gum Ghatti + casein + Black dammer + wax +
oil
190
55
183
54
271.66
133
M15
M16
Wheat starch + egg albumin + gum Arabic +
Black dammer + wax + oil
Wheat starch + Casein + gum Arabic + Black
dammer + wax + oil
An adhesive is considered good if it has normal pH with less surface tension and high
viscosity .Following these parameters ,
values given in tables and figures were
interpolated and adhesive formulations F3 , F8 and F 11 from single component
formulations and M7,M8 and M12 from multi-component adhesive formulations found
very good for the repair of palm leaf manuscripts.
Profile of Research Team
Principle Investigator
B.V. Kharbade: Joined Central Forensic Science laboratory, New Delhi in
1977 immediately after completion of his master in Chemistry from Nagpur
University then moved to NRLC in 1980 and since then carrying out research
in the conservation of cultural property. Published more than 50 research
papers, out of that 20 are in International Journals of repute like Studies in
Conservation, IIC, London etc and a technical note and a book on Preventive
conservation of Museum Objects. Since 2002, acting as a Head, Regional
Conservation Laboratory (Unit of NRLC), Mysore. Invited to chair a technical
session in International seminar on Spectrometry, Tokyo, Japan. Elected as
an active member of New York Academy of Sciences, USA. Edited Journals,
Conservation of Cultural Property in India of IASC, New Delhi.
Researchers
Mr. V.S. Arun: He is from tiny village near Coorg in Karnataka. He has
obtained his M.Sc. in organic chemistry from Mysore University. After his
masters he has joined Indian Paramilitary Force (ITBPF) and worked nearly
for four years as sub-inspector. Due to aged ailing parents, he came back
and joined as research scholar in the department of studies in chemistry and
has submitted his thesis entitled “Synthesis, spectral investigation and
biological activity of mixed ligand complexes”
Ms. Kalpana: Obtained her M.Sc. in organic chemistry from University of
Kanpur. She has completed her 6 month training course and months inter
workshop on curative conservation from NRLC, lucknow. She worked as
project assistant in “Preventive conservation of cultural properties in
museums” at NRLC and attended international workshop on “Reorganizing
museum storage taking in to account preventive conservation”.
Ms. Sheela Prasad: Born in Mumbai and raised in Mysore and has
completed her B.E. degree in environment science from SJCE, Mysore. Her
other interests are reading, gardening, music and interior decoration. With a
distinction B.E. degree she got interested in doing research work in
environment science.
Mr. Shirish Rajmalwar: He is from Wardha, Maharashtra, after school he
has completed his degree in Microbiology, Zoology, Chemistry and M.Sc. in
Microbiology from Nagpur University, with project Entitled “Enzyme
production and its use as ecofriendly alternative method” worked for some
time in industry on process development for Biocontrol agent production, then
after he obtained his Masters in philosophy in Biotechnology from Periyar
University, Salem.
Mr. Manjunathachari R.C.: He is from Chitradurga, (Karnataka) and he
completed his graduation and masters degree in Chemistry, from Kuvempu
University, Shimoga, during his M.Sc. he has worked on project entitled
“Synthesis and characterization of benzothiazole derivatives and their
biological evaluations”.
Mr.
M.J.Raghavendra:
He
hails from
Mysore
and
completed
his
undergraduate degree from Forestry Science, from University of Agricultural
Science, Bangalore and M.Sc. in forestry from Dharwad University, Dharwad.
Critical Assessment and Future Needs
K.K.Gupta:
Synthetic materials, hydrophobic in nature do change the very
complexion and properties of paper. Laminating adhesive should make the tissue
paper transparent as far as possible rather than increasing the transparency of the
manuscript. These points must be kept in mind while selecting the lamination
materials. Regarding the project on traditional materials, in addition to isolating only
active ingredients, efforts may also be made to investigate whether not-so-active
components of the plants could contribute in enhancing the efficacy of the method or
the retention period of the active components. Even mixtures of the plants extracts
may also be tried to exploit the properties of the active ingredients.
While finding a suitable adhesive for repairing of palm leaves, the following criteria
may be followed.
- Less surface tension so that it makes a good contact with the parts to be joined.
- Higher viscosity so that it remains on the surface to be adhered and not so
absorbed there.
- Good flexibility, since palm leaves are too flexible.
- Strength should be comparable with the strength of the original manuscripts and
not too strong for them.
Dr.V.Jeyaraj: While appreciating the work done by the team at RCL, he expressed
to add some of the following points.
-
Tests should be conducted to evaluate whether the aromas of Neem and
Negundo selected in the studies have any deleterious effect in different
environment over the manuscripts or not and how long these aromas will be
effective.
-
The effects of humidity, heat, acidity on the alkaline reserve build in tissue papers
used in modifying the cellulose acetate lamination should be evaluated.
-
Before suggesting a alternative method for cellulose acetate lamination, it should
be evaluated thoroughly that new method of ethyl cellulose lamination is
reversible and does not alter the optical properties of the manuscripts and have
no effect on the materials of the manuscripts.
-
While finding out suitable adhesive for palm leaf manuscripts, its reversibility,
compatibility, longevity must be assessed properly.
-
While designing storage and display cases for the use of oxygen free
environment, different compartments for light sources, tubing for the supply of
nitrogen and art objects should be provided. Oxidised aluminium, glass, silicon
gaskets and tubing and metallic oxides for joining the glass may be used in
fabrication of display and storage cases.
Dr P. Perumal:
I did not find much change in the manuscripts laminated with
cellulose acetate in my library except some yellow and red stains. Conservation
materials should not be selected on the basis of the tests performed in the western
laboratories as those data are not suitable to Indian environment. Therefore, there is
a need to develop our methods of testing for conservation materials. Adhesive
selected for palm leaf manuscripts should not alter their flexibility in any condition.
Neem leaves may be collected when the tree is in flowering stage because
concentration of active ingredients is more in such leaves. I also suggest that the
researchers may be sent to various libraries and archives of India for on the spot
study of manuscripts’ conservation problems.
S.P. Singh: Prototype designed by RCL’s team for use of oxygen free environment
will be useful for storage and display of not only manuscripts but
other museum
objects. He said the need of such research was highly required as the objects in
various museums had been damaging due to the use of substandard materials in
construction of showcases that emitted harmful fumes of organic acids i.e. Formic,
acetic acids and even stronger acids like hydrochloric etc. Further, he added that
many scientific institutions in India and abroad had carried out extensive researches
on many Indian Plants; those data could be useful in the project on traditional
materials and method for manuscripts conservation.
Achal Pandya : Comparing the decay of the paper laminated with cellulose of
acetate due to its releasing acetic acid with Japanese starch paste containing
inherent acetic acid, he said that acetic acid, due to its volatile character, evaporated
while applying the starch paste, so how it was contributing to degradation of
cellulose acetate laminated paper. However, when this method of cellulose acetate
lamination had been discarded in the west then why it’s use could not be stopped in
India. In this regard, the strong recommendation through this seminar should be sent
to concerned government authorities.
Dr. Ranga Raju: While appreciating the research carried out by RCL’s team
especially on use of traditional materials and use of oxygen free environment in
manuscripts conservation , he mentioned that these methods could be safely used
in museums
because of their ecofriendly
materials . He reminded of his
observations on the pathetic conditions of display and storages in number of Indian
museums as no standards are followed, whatever locally available materials on low
quote are purchased for making showcases. So, there is a absolute need to develop
standards for such materials and the research initiated by RCL with the financial
assistance of National Mission for Manuscripts should be continued till the findings
are implemented by the users.
T.K Ray: It is note worthy to involve very young researchers and encouraging them
to carry out creative and original research here in this laboratory on the most wanted
topics like use of traditional materials, alteration and modification of cellulose acetate
lamination, adhesive for palm leaf and use of oxygen free environment. While
sharing his experiences on what he faced in packaging the paintings to be sent for
science exhibition in Festival of India, he mentioned that the prototype designed in
this project would be useful solution for such problems.
Dr A.B Mitra: In my opinion, keeping the manuscripts in oxygen free environment
rather than laminating them involving chemicals will be very effective method of
conservation, therefore, the use of such eco-friendly and simple, cost effective
technique should be promoted and used in museums and archives in India.
Dr Hegde: I feel, whatever achievements made by the RCL’s team in just one year
on the four topics relating to manuscripts conservation is credible and appreciable,
but the findings are preliminary and not yet ready for applying to problems . A period
of one year is very short for research that to applied one and developing plausible
solutions, therefore, the research on all the four topic should be continued till.
Smt. Usha Suresh
Not only my archive but many state archives have been facing difficulties as the
appropriate tested materials and methods commercially not available in preservation
of paper materials. Many materials which were used in the past are now discarded.
Acid free paper storing folders or boxes are not available in India. Cellulose acetate
film which used to be supplied by National Archive, India is now stopped supplying.
In such situations, there is immediate need to develop an appropriate technique and
material which is eco-friendly, sustainable for the preservation of paper materials. I
am very happy that RCL with assistance of NMM has started the research on such
very important areas and got encouraging results though they are in preliminary
stage. Antifungal cloth and paper from turmeric and insect repellent paper mats from
Neem and Negundo aromas, if developed fully and found suitable after carrying trials
would be very useful in preservation of archival materials.
Professor A. Chatterjee
First time, I have seen a prototype where nitrogen gas is used to replace the oxygen
which will be used in developing storage and display cases for the museum objects.
The added advantage of the prototype in controlling museum pests without the use
of toxic and dangerous chemical is quite laudable. So, I am of the strong opinion that
full efforts should be made to develop such technique and applied in museums,
archives and other cultural institutions. I assure that this technique will be promoted
by publishing articles, if made available, on priority in the forthcoming journal and
bulletin of ICOM-INC.
Future plans:
1. Antifungal cloth and paper will be prepared in the laboratory using curcumin
(active ingredient of turmeric) complexes which were found effective and the
manuscripts of the
identified institutions for trials
will be wrapped in the
developed cloth, paper and kept in the same institution for further study .
2. Paper mats from Neem, Negundo aromas will be prepared in the laboratory in
sufficient quantity for carrying out further laboratory trials and field trials in the
identified museums.
3. Standardization of modified cellulose acetate lamination method which is found
suitable in our preliminary study.
4. Further experimentations and standardization of alternative method to cellulose
acetate lamination.
5. Extensive laboratory trials of the developed prototype for the use of oxygen free
environment in manuscripts conservation.
6. To design and develop a prototype using oxygen free environment in controlling
museum pests.
Recommendations
1. All the participants have appreciated the progress and quantum of work done just
in a year on all the NMMs research projects undertaken by RCL, Mysore and
unanimously recommended that all the projects should be continued further till
the research findings are put to practice .
2. Participants felt that when the researches prove the role of cellulose acetate in
causing brittleness of laminated paper, it’s use, still being continued in India
should be stopped. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that the concerned
government authorities should prepare a national policy and if require, a
legislation could be passed to arrest the use of cellulose acetate lamination in all
Indian governmental and non-governmental institutions.
3. It is recommended that to demonstrate the findings of the research projects and to
make aware on the recent development in conservation of manuscripts, more
seminars or workshops similar to what has been just organized in RCL should be
held for conservators, curators, keepers and others who are custodians of paper
materials.
All the participants have shown great interest in the prototype devised on use of
oxygen free environment for storage, display of manuscripts and even for the control
of museum pests. They recommended that detailed study on the prototype
considering all the aspects including field trials should be conducted and necessary
steps should be taken to make this prototype available to museums and other
related institutions at the earliest possible.
Appendix 1
S.No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Name of Delegates
Shri. A.N.Jha
Joint secretory, IGNCA, New Delhi
Shri. S.P.Singh
Director(Conservation)
National Museum, New Delhi
Dr. R.N. Hegde
Director, Archeology and museums,
Mumbai
Shri. K.K. Gupta
Conservation consultant, IGNCA, New
Delhi
Dr.A.B. Mitra
Indian Museum, Conservation
laboratory, JN Road, Kolkata(WB)
Dr. Perumal
Conservator, Saraswathi Mahal
Library, Thanjavur
Smt. Usha Suresh
Director, Archives, Karnataka state,
Bangalooru
Prof. Achal Pandya
Asst. Professor,
NMI, National Museum, New Delhi
Smt. Rashmi Chatterjee
Curator, HALO, Heritage
Shri. P.S. Mukharjee
Indus art and museum Services,
66-D, South end park, Kolkata
Dr. A.K. Chatterjee
Chairman, ICOM, Kolkata
S.No.
Name of Delegates
14.
Prof. C. Panda
Secretory, Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
15.
Dr. V. Jayraj
Curator, Goverment Museum, Chennai
16.
Dr. D.G. Suryavanshi
Scientist, NRLC, Lucknow
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
Shri. M.N. Majumder
Indian Museum, Kolkata
Smt. Chandrani Pal
2/7, BT road, Kolkata
Prof. N.S. Rangaraju
Professor of Ancient History,
University of Mysore, Mysore- 570006
Dr. Kundu Podder
1, Bosepukur Purbapara
Kolkata- 700004
Dr. J.V. Gayathri
Dy. Director, Archeology and museum
heritage, Govt. of Karnataka, Mysore
Shri. Vaibhav Chavan
National mission for manuscripts, New
Delhi
Shri. S.S. Choudhury
Deputy SAC
ASI, Mysore
Ms. Neeraja
National mission for manuscripts, New
12.
13.
Dr. M.V. Nair
Director, National research laboratory
for conservation of cultural properties,
Lucknow
Shri. V.A. Machakanur
Commissioner, Venkatappa Art
Gallery, Kasturba road, Bangalooru
25.
26.
Delhi
Shri. K. Mukharjee
Indian Museum, Kolkata
Shri. Illiyas Ahmad
Conservator, IGNCA, New Delhi
Appendix - 2
Seminar on
Emerging Innovations in Manuscript Conservation- Critical Assessment
and Future Needs
At Regional Conservation Laboratory, Mysore-570011
On
January 23-24, 2008
Programme
23.01.2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------09:30
:
Registration
10:30-11:30
:
Inauguration
Chiefguest:
Shri.A.N.Jha, I.A.S.,
Joint Secretory, IGNCA,
New Delhi
11:30-12:00
:
Tea break
12:00-12:30
:
Technical Session I
Presentation on Cellulose acetate lamination
Ms. Kalpana
12:30-13:00
:
Discussion
13:30-14:30
:
Lunch break
14:30-15:30
:
Technical Session II
Presentation on Use of Indian traditional materials in
manuscript conservation.
Shirish Rajmalwar and Manjunathachari R.C.
15:30-16:00
:
Discussion