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The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 caused the COVID-19 pandemic and accelerated vaccine development to prevent the spread of the virus and control the disease. Given the sustained high infectivity and evolution of SARS-CoV-2, there is an ongoing interest in developing COVID-19 serology tests to monitor population-level immunity. To address this critical need, we designed a paper-based multiplexed vertical flow assay (xVFA) using five structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2, detecting IgG and IgM antibodies to monitor changes in COVID-19 immunity levels. Our platform not only tracked longitudinal immunity levels but also categorized COVID-19 immunity into three groups: protected, unprotected, and infected, based on the levels of IgG and IgM antibodies. We operated two xVFAs in parallel to detect IgG and IgM antibodies using a total of 40 μL of human serum sample in

The highly contagious nature and 100% fatality rate contribute to the ongoing and expanding impact of the African swine fever virus (ASFV), causing significant economic losses worldwide. Herein, we developed a cascaded colorimetric detection using the combination of a CRISPR/Cas14a system, G-quadruplex DNAzyme, and microfluidic paper-based analytical device. This CRISPR/Cas14a-G4 biosensor could detect ASFV as low as 5 copies/μL and differentiate the wild-type and mutated ASFV DNA with 2-nt difference. Moreover, this approach was employed to detect ASFV in porcine plasma. A broad linear detection range was observed, and the limit of detection in spiked porcine plasma was calculated to be as low as 42-85 copies/μL. Our results indicate that the developed paper platform exhibits the advantages of high sensitivity, excellent specificity, and low cost, making it promising for clinical applications in the field of DNA disease detection and suitable for popularization in low-resourced areas.

Water-repellent coatings are essential for enhancing the durability and sustainability of textiles, paper, and bioplastic polymers. Despite the growing use of sustainable materials, their inherent hydrophilicity presents significant challenges. This review explores advanced coating technologies to address these issues, focusing on their mechanisms, properties, and applications. By imparting water resistance and repellency, these coatings improve material performance and longevity. The environmental impact and limitations of current coatings are critically assessed, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions. This review identifies key trends and challenges, offering insights into developing water-resistant materials that align with environmental goals while meeting industry demands. Key focus areas include coating mechanisms, techniques, performance evaluation, applications, environmental impact assessment, and the development of sustainable coating solutions. This research contributes to the development of water-resistant materials that meet the demands of modern industries while minimizing environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bodleian Library hosts one of the most important collections of Arabic manuscripts in Europe but most of them are unpublished or remain widely understudied. This article discusses the Arabic illuminated manuscripts produced in 14th- and 15th-century Egypt and Bilād al-Shām identified in this institution and aims to highlight their production context and material characteristics. The study of these manuscripts also gives an insight into the main phases and codicological features of the arts of the book during the Mamluk period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This technical note describes in detail a method for associating individual sheets of blank A4 white paper from the same ream by the physical fit of machine‐cut edges. A large‐scale laboratory trial involving ~700 sheets of paper from 24 different reams (plus one spoiled sample), and more than 20,000 potential physical fits, correctly associated and sequenced 219 pairs of sheets together with a 100% empirical success rate and no false associations. The edge profile of each short machine‐cut end of a sheet of A4 paper allows us to physically fit sheets of paper from the same ream to each other and use this to predict the sequence of sheets in a set of documents. In a real‐life scenario, it may now be possible to detect the substitution or addition of a sheet in a multipage document, link documents from different sources to each other or to a common source of paper (e.g. to paper from a seized printer or from an accused's address) or to date documents. The study provides data for the application of this method in forensic casework and supports the practitioner when forming conclusions in this type of case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper is the largest renewable industrial substrate produced for various applications and can be recycled by disintegrating the fibers and reforming the paper. Paper and its fiber constituents lack functions such as electrical conductivity and papermaking itself has not been used for producing electronic devices. In this work, we show a potential industrially viable route for introducing cationic charges on the cellulose fibers and subsequently show how the adsorption of negatively charged ionically and electrically conductive materials onto these fibers from aqueous media can be applied at time scales relevant to industrial papermaking. This results in electroactive fibers, that can subsequently be used to prepare electroactive papers using standard papermaking procedures. Since fibers in the paper can selectively be coated with different active materials, various functions can be added into the paper. To demonstrate applications, we prepared electroactive papers using fibers with adsorbed carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and conducting polymers. We achieved conductivity of 21 S/m with only 1wt% CNT. We also prepared papers with CNTs and black phosphorus, used as paper-based lithium, and sodium ion battery (free-standing) anodes. They delivered a specific capacity of 642 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 3500 cycles with 99.5% columbic efficiency. Furthermore, we recycled the papers, and as the disintegration of the fibers did not lead to removal of the ionic or electroactive materials from the fiber surface, the recycled papers showed similar electrical and mechanical properties to the original papers. This opens the path for recyclable paper-based electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Paper Conservation Seminar has now been held as four face-to-face events and four online events. It is a three-day international event delivered in Spanish and Portugese with keynote talks from national and international conservation professionals from Mexico to Chile presenting projects covering works on paper in diverse formats including documents, photographs historic books, and artworks. Countries such as Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Uruguay, Colombia, Brazil, Spain and Costa Rica have sent delegates to discuss both the social and cultural aspects of conservation work. The seminar is a completely free event for its attendees. It is intended to be suitable for all, with high-level talks addressing issues of management, preservation, conservation, restoration and disaster recovery among many others. From the third event onwards, training workshops for basic treatments have been developed, with the participation of recognized conservation professionals from universities and international institutes, allowing the number of attendees to remain constant since the Covid-19 pandemic. It creates networks and fosters collaboration for professional and institutional projects. The seminars have generated a connected and active community of paper conservators in the region, aware of our limitations, and capable of solving problems collaboratively and according to local resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through this article, we aim to draw attention to the implications that light has on the writing support (paper) and substance used to write (ball point pen ink) and, implicitly, on the conclusions that result from their forensic examinations. It is known that, over time, due to different ways of preserving documents, both paper and ball point pen ink undergo (more or less) transformations of their physical and chemical properties that influence the results of certain examinations, carried out at different time periods (both regarding the period elapsed from the preparation of the document to its forensic examination, as well as that between successive forensic examinations of the same document). These factors must be taken into account by the forensic expert in formulating the working hypotheses that will form the basis of the forensic conclusions. We mention that we will only refer to a non-invasive, non-destructive analysis of these materials used in the preparation of documents (without chemical analyses). In order to carry out this study, we resorted to an experiment, by making samples and observing them through visual and comparative analysis, making deductive and inductive reasoning. Also, the study of the relevant specialized materials constituted an important pillar of this study. Thus, it is necessary for the examiner in the field not to prejudge the case, but to carry out in-depth examinations trying to overcome the known barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides a history of Renaissance cartapesta or papier mâaché and explores its use in 15th- and 16th-century Italy and Germany. Topics discussed include earlier Italian recipe for cartapesta, Don Alessio Piemontese's cartapesta recipe collection, papier mâaché recipe in a female convent in Nuremberg, Germany, papier mâaché reliefs at the Cistercian monastery of Wienhausen and papier mâaché production in the context of the Lutheran Reformation.

In the late 18th and first half of the 19th century, print gained a permanent foothold in the Middle East and enabled the mass production of books in Arabic, Turkish, and Persian. As a consequence, handwriting gradually ceased to be the primary technology for making books. This article, the second of two, examines the materiality of a selection of Arabic manuscripts mostly made between 1870 and 1930 CE. It shows how scribes not only adapted to the availability of new types of pens or stationery when making their manuscripts, but also that some of them adopted layout choices and paracontent typical of printed books. Tradition and change are both visible in the objects that were analysed, and it is especially against the backdrop of a growing print industry in the Middle East that Arabic manuscript culture's strengths and its ability to adapt emerge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulosic material is considered to be excellent for food packaging due to its low cost, easy degradability, and high recyclability rates. However, its application is still limited due to its porous structure and high hydrophilicity, which provide high permeabilities to grease, gas and water vapor. One solution to fix these issues and to bring new functionalities that can also extend food shelf life is to coat the paper substrate with biopolymers containing nanoparticles and/or components with antioxidant and/or antimicrobial activities. In this regard, the aim of this study was to review some aspects of the current knowledge critically and didactically on applications of biopolymer-based coatings incorporated with active components and/or nanoparticles on paper/paperboard materials usually applied as primary cellulosic active packaging. Studies have shown that this combination can positively improve the physical, mechanical, and barrier properties of cellulosic packaging, along with the enhancement of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. A better understanding of these aspects enables the use of other active compounds to develop more functionality to the packaging itself as well as to apply it to food packaging in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of paper–polymer composite materials based on polystyrene and plant extracts of coniferous trees is described. The resulting bioplastics have increased resistance to biodegradation and are a promising basis for use as reinforcing polymer systems of cellulose-containing materials used for the production of packaging materials and special-purpose papers as part of electrical devices for various purposes. It has been shown that the inclusion of plant extracts makes it possible to improve the physical and mechanical properties of paper composites and ensure their resistance to biocorrosion. The conducted research makes it possible to expand the areas of application of paper materials and products based on them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of mineral-based fillers tends to reduce the mechanical properties of paper, which can limit their application. The filler surface modification is a significant treatment to overcome this limitation. This research aims to offer a novel modified mineral-based filler to provide its industrial application. The surface of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) was modified with xylan (XS), which is a type of hemicellulose, a polysaccharide consisting mainly of xylose residues. It is used as a filler at different filler dosage levels in paper pulp. Modified PCC(MPCC) was characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Field-emission scanning electron microscopy analyses. The analysis demonstrated that the MPCC filler surface was coated with XS successfully. The effect of PCC and MPCC-filled hand-sheet paper physical, chemical and optical properties were studied. The experimental results showed that the mechanical (tensile, burst, tear strength) and optical (brightness, opacity) of hand-sheet paper filled with MPCC were significantly improved compared with unmodified PCC-filled paper at the same ash content. The filler retention of PCC and MPCC fillers in paper was investigated, and the MPCC filler showed better filler retention properties in paper stock than the PCC filler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the realm of food waste recycling, industrial suberoligneous by‐products like cork and peels, pose a challenge for value‐added conversion, primarily due to their intricate structures. This study introduces an innovative approach by utilizing recycled cork as a prime example of repurposing food waste to create a reusable and durable packaging paper. Notably, the manufacturing process of this cork‐based paper avoids the generation of waste liquids from lignin removal, effectively alleviating concerns related to liquid waste pollution. The resulting packaging paper demonstrates remarkable printability, readability, and erasability while offering reusability. Its performance can be fine‐tuned through pH value adjustments. Moreover, this packaging paper exhibits outstanding antioxidative properties and barrier properties, seamlessly integrating superb UV‐blocking proficiency and heightened visible transparency, rendering it highly appealing for sustainable food packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive copper (Cu2+) causes adverse effects on human health and the ecological environment. Traditional methods for detecting Cu2+ have drawbacks such as high detection costs, complex operating conditions, and being time consuming. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop simple detection methods to better meet specific health and environment quality needs. In this work, a paper-based fluorescence sensor was prepared (herein referred to as the as-prepared method) by immersing filter paper in aqueous polyethyleneimine (PEI) solution, and its potential use in Cu2+ detection was investigated. The results showed that the as-prepared paper samples, with fluorescence properties obtained by aggregation-induced luminescence of PEI, have selective recognition of Cu2+ based on the internal filtration effect, and the lowest detection limit is 0.03 μM. In addition, the relative error of this method is in the range of 1.80~2.23%, which is relatively comparable to the national standard method (0.63~630 μM), demonstrating high accuracy. Therefore, paper-based sensors with a simple preparation method have potential applications in the detection of Cu2+ in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary heat transfer source in the conventional multi-cylinder drying of paper and board is conduction. Conduction is facilitated by high-tension contact with steam-heated cylinders, while convective drying, the main mass transfer source, operates as heated air flows over the article web in the pockets. This conduction process occurs at elevated temperatures and contact pressures to ensure effective contact between the wet paper web and the heated cylinders. The contact pressures and temperatures of the hot surface significantly influence the conductive drying characteristics. This research paper presents an experimental study that involves designing a simple lab-scale setup with in-situ and continuous sensing capabilities for various commercially available grades of paper and board. Embedded thermocouples measure the temperatures of the heated platen and the sheet, allowing the collection of flux data to determine heat transfer characteristics. The goal of this study is to ascertain the instantaneous contact coefficients for different basis weights as a function of moisture content. The acquired data will provide valuable insights and information toward process development, design, and simulation of the article drying process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The fines fraction in mechanical pulp, produced during wood processing can impact the mechanical properties of the resulting paper positively or negatively, making them potential additives for paper strength improvement at the right loading level. To enhance fines' effectiveness as paper strength additives that have heterogeneous surface chemistries, this work employed a regioselective surface esterification method conducted under mild conditions in acetone, with the addition of succinic anhydride and imidazole. This approach converted surface hydroxyl groups of fines into carboxylic acid groups, resulting in a final content of near 0.5 mmol g−1. This modification increased fines' hydrophilicity, as evidenced by enhanced moisture absorption capacity in dynamic vapor sorption analysis. These fines with additional functionality strengthened intermolecular bonding, leading to over 150% enhancement in tensile strength and Young's modulus when cast into thin films. Fines were substituted at 10–20 wt.% concentration to the fiber fraction of softwood thermomechanical pulp (TMP) and bleached chemi-thermomechanical pulp (BCTMP) forming handsheets. It was observed that fines modified with succinic anhydride and imidazole were more effective in enhancing paper strength, including tensile (up to 30%), burst (up to 39%) and tear (up to 4%) indices. This improvement was likely due to enhanced intermolecular bonding between modified fines and the fiber surfaces. By modifying mechanical pulp fines with succinic anhydride and imidazole, we have converted a potential heterogeneous waste product from the industry into a valuable by-product to enhance paper performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of pesticides has significantly advanced global agricultural production, but the ensuing problem of pesticide residues poses a severe threat to human health. So, there is an urgent need to establish a rapid, accurate, sensitive, cost-effective and on-site method for large-scale detection of pesticide residues. Electrochemical paper-based analytical devices (ePADs) represents a highly sensitive and portable microanalysis system, which uses paper as a substrate and relies on a capillary force to drive the fluid for the separation and detection of samples. The diversity of pesticides and agricultural products and the complexity of matrices impose high requirements on the sample preparation procedure. This article summarizes the preparation process of ePADs from the aspects of paper selection, the establishment of hydrophilic and hydrophobic channels, the integration of separation zones, and electrode printing. Subsequently, this paper establishes the relationship between pesticide detection and chip preparation based on the mechanism of electrochemical detection of pesticides. Finally, it discusses the advantages, challenges and future prospects of ePADs with a view to providing theoretical reference for enhanced application of ePADs in the field of pesticide residue detection.

This research investigated the influence of the layered structure of paper on its selected strength properties. Two types of cellulose pulp were used: unbleached kraft pine pulp (UBSK) and unrefined bleached birch kraft pulp (BHK). Multi-ply papers were obtained from layers of appropriate grammage formed separately and bonded in a wet state. Paper layers were formed from primary pulps (UBSK and BHK) or their mixtures (three-ply UBSK-BHK paper and three-ply UBSK-BHK-UBSK paper), from which various variants of laboratory paper samples were made. This work focused on three-layer papers. The obtained laboratory sheets were analysed for changes in tear resistance, tensile strength, bursting strength, short span compression strength (SCT), and corrugating medium test (CMT). In most cases, three-layer structures were characterised by higher strength parameters than single-layer papers. The tear strength and SCT of papers consisting of three layers formed from both mixed pulps were slightly lower than those of solid papers. The results demonstrate the feasibility of producing three-ply paper with significantly reduced variability in parameters such as elongation and bursting strength, which are inherently subject to high variability.

The potential of paper and paperboard as fiber-based materials capable of replacing conventional polymer-based materials has been widely investigated and evaluated. Due to paper’s limited extensibility and inherent heterogeneity, local structural variations lead to unpredictable local mechanical behavior and instability during processing, such as mechanical forming. To gain a deeper understanding of the impact of mechanical behavior and heterogeneity on the paper forming process, the Finite Element Method (FEM) coupled with continuum modeling is being explored as a potential approach to enhance comprehension. To achieve this goal, utilizing experimentally derived material parameters alongside stochastic finite element methods allows for more precise modeling of material behavior, considering the local material properties. This work first introduces the approach of modeling heterogeneity or local material structure within continuum models, such as the Stochastic Finite Element Method (SFEM). A fundamental challenge lies in accurately measuring these local material properties. Experimental investigations are being conducted to numerically simulate mechanical behavior. An overview is provided of experimental methods for material characterization, as found in literature, with a specific focus on measuring local mechanical material structure. By doing so, it enables the characterization of the global material structure and mechanical behavior of paper and paperboard.

The primary aim of this research was to explore the feasibility of producing environmentally friendly composite materials by employing diverse hybrid matrices consisting of dammar natural resin, supplemented with small proportions of two synthetic resins: one epoxy and the other acrylic. A blend of paper and chicken feathers served as the reinforcing elements. The fabrication of these composite materials utilized a hand layup technique. Targeted for applications in the furniture industry or interior design, their mechanical properties were assessed through various tests. Specimens were obtained from the manufactured samples and subjected to evaluations for tensile strength, compression, flexure, vibrations, Shore hardness, and water absorption. Results indicated that irrespective of the testing method employed, the mechanical strength properties exhibited a decline with an increase in the percentage of dammar in the hybrid resins, whereas the elasticity properties demonstrated an increase with this percentage.

Recycling leather waste, which accumulates in large quantities in tanneries, and producing packaging paper with improved properties reduces the environmental burden and is at the same time economically efficient. A modified fibrous mass of waste from tanned and untanned leather scraps, waste paper, and acrylic emulsion was obtained and packaging paper based on them was produced. Alkaline modification of tanned leather waste - chrome shavings - leads to an increase in the electrokinetic potential and, accordingly, the stability of the fibrous suspension, partial hydrolysis of skin collagen occurs with the formation of new polar groups, and at the same time, the degree of cross-linking of the skin increases. In the paper composition, new intermolecular bonds are formed between cellulose and skin collagen. The microstructure, elemental composition, morphology, thermal and physical-mechanical properties of modified chrome shavings and composite paper were determined. A significant improvement has been achieved in the main parameters of paper: surface density (decrease by 16-25%), breaking load and breaking length (increase by 15-23%), number of double bends (increase by 2-6 times) in comparison with paper obtained from pure waste paper, and also to a greater extent compared to paper obtained from unmodified leather waste.

The potential of paper and paperboard as fiber-based materials capable of replacing conventional polymer-based materials has been widely investigated and evaluated. Due to paper's limited extensibility and inherent heterogeneity, local structural variations lead to unpredictable local mechanical behavior and instability during processing, such as mechanical forming. To gain a deeper understanding of the impact of mechanical behavior and heterogeneity on the paper forming process, the Finite Element Method (FEM) coupled with continuum modeling is being explored as a potential approach to enhance comprehension. To achieve this goal, utilizing experimentally derived material parameters alongside stochastic finite element methods allows for more precise modeling of material behavior, considering the local material properties. This work first introduces the approach of modeling heterogeneity or local material structure within continuum models, such as the Stochastic Finite Element Method (SFEM). A fundamental challenge lies in accurately measuring these local material properties. Experimental investigations are being conducted to numerically simulate mechanical behavior. An overview is provided of experimental methods for material characterization, as found in literature, with a specific focus on measuring local mechanical material structure. By doing so, it enables the characterization of the global material structure and mechanical behavior of paper and paperboard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigated the influence of the layered structure of paper on its selected strength properties. Two types of cellulose pulp were used: unbleached kraft pine pulp (UBSK) and unrefined bleached birch kraft pulp (BHK). Multi-ply papers were obtained from layers of appropriate grammage formed separately and bonded in a wet state. Paper layers were formed from primary pulps (UBSK and BHK) or their mixtures (threeply UBSK-BHK paper and three-ply UBSK-BHK-UBSK paper), from which various variants of laboratory paper samples were made. This work focused on three-layer papers. The obtained laboratory sheets were analysed for changes in tear resistance, tensile strength, bursting strength, short span compression strength (SCT), and corrugating medium test (CMT). In most cases, three-layer structures were characterised by higher strength parameters than single-layer papers. The tear strength and SCT of papers consisting of three layers formed from both mixed pulps were slightly lower than those of solid papers. The results demonstrate the feasibility of producing three-ply paper with significantly reduced variability in parameters such as elongation and bursting strength, which are inherently subject to high variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary aim of this research was to explore the feasibility of producing environmentally friendly composite materials by employing diverse hybrid matrices consisting of dammar natural resin, supplemented with small proportions of two synthetic resins: one epoxy and the other acrylic. A blend of paper and chicken feathers served as the reinforcing elements. The fabrication of these composite materials utilized a hand layup technique. Targeted for applications in the furniture industry or interior design, their mechanical properties were assessed through various tests. Specimens were obtained from the manufactured samples and subjected to evaluations for tensile strength, compression, flexure, vibrations, Shore hardness, and water absorption. Results indicated that irrespective of the testing method employed, the mechanical strength properties exhibited a decline with an increase in the percentage of dammar in the hybrid resins, whereas the elasticity properties demonstrated an increase with this percentage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through the dual keywords--wenfang 文房 and "four friends" (siyou 四友)--this essay examines the inextricable interrelationship among material things, a place, and the self that was initiated during the Song dynasty (960-1279). Song literati displayed unprecedented interest in scholarly things, particularly four specific things in the studio--the writing brush, inkstone, paper, and ink. Through literary representations, this article investigates the changing nature of the literati's relation to these "four things" in the studio. Rather than framing their bond as the ruler and ministers or the owner and his possessions, from the early Northern Song to the Southern Song, writers transformed their relationship to these four things gradually to that between friends and peers, or from pure ownership to an imaginary friendship, and in turn, these four things supported the construction of both the personal studio and the collective identity of the new elites in the Song. This transformation from "four things" or "four treasures" to "four friends" represented a distinctive model of the observation and conception of material things that Song scholars developed, which provided intriguing insights into the relationship between humans and things in premodern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• White acrylic paint pigment is slightly alkaline and foxing-resistant. • Acrylic-gesso-coated watercolor paper can be used as an anti-foxing backing. • Acrylic gesso coating is simple & cost-effective against foxing. One of the concerns of watercolor artworks on paper is the natural oxidation process of the paper, leading to the development of unsightly yellow-brown spots referred to as foxing. Historically, efforts to preserve watercolor pieces in museums, institutions, and private collections have relied on intricate and expensive techniques. Unfortunately, these methods are not practical for the broader community of artists and less affluent collectors. Furthermore, the introduction of foreign preservation materials, which can interact with the artwork's components, poses a risk to the original visual appeal. Consequently, watercolor art collections have lost some of their appeal compared to oil paintings on canvases. This study endeavors to offer an alternative, straightforward, and cost-efficient approach to safeguarding watercolor artworks created on high-quality watercolor paper, a type commonly used by typical watercolorists, making it a suitable candidate for this investigation. This approach also avoids introducing additional substances to the artwork. The protective technique involves the application of commercially available acrylic gesso to a fresh sheet of watercolor paper. This gesso-coated paper serves as a backing for framing and displaying the original watercolor artwork, without the need for any foreign preservation materials to be added to the artwork itself. To assess the effectiveness of this protection method, a comparison was made between the foxing tendencies of protected and unprotected paper artworks stored for a decade. These samples were subjected to various analytical techniques, including optical microscopy (OM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results revealed that, when compared to untreated samples, rarely any foxing spots were observed on any of the treated samples, and both the oxidation and degradation of cellulose fibers were diminished. Additionally, the analysis showed that the acrylic gesso comprised inorganic components such as calcium carbonate (CaCO 3), dolomite (CaMg(CO 3) 2), rutile (TiO 2), and organic acrylics. The carbonates created a mildly alkaline environment, neutralizing the acidity in the paper. The titanium dioxides exhibited biocidal and fungicidal properties due to their photocatalytic characteristics. The acrylic component bound and dispersed the inorganic constituents, and the coating formed a less impenetrable barrier layer as indicated by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results. In addition to significantly improving the resistance of the paper to foxing, the methods outlined in this study are highly cost-effective and readily accessible to artists and collectors. Importantly, they do not involve the addition of any restoration materials to the original artworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lithography books of Iran, despite their historical importance, have received relatively little attention. This study aims to comprehensively examine an Iranian lithography book from the Qajar period titled Hayat al-Qolub, to identify its materials. The paper pulp, sizing, inks and leather of the bookbinding were analyzed through various methods, including staining tests for identifying paper pulp, light microscopy, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, Micro-spectrophotometry, multi-band imaging, SEM-EDS and LC-MS. The findings suggest that the book was made of rag paper composed of linen and cotton fibers, while animal glue and gypsum were used for paper sizing and filling, respectively. Carbon black was used as black printing ink and cochineal was used for red ink. The leather cover of the book was made of goat skin that was tanned with gallotannins and unhaired with lime. Evidence of the use of liming in the unhairing process was also observed in this leather. This research enhances our understanding of paper and bookmaking techniques of the Qajar period in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School maps emerged as new type of document as a result of a series of technological and educational advances spanning the 18th to the 20th century. These maps originally played strictly functional and didactic roles. The passage of time has endowed them with an indisputable historical, documentary, scientific and even artistic character. Those currently housed in archives are generally poorly preserved due to issues related to their manufacture and general lack of concern for their safeguard after losing their original function. This study aims to characterise the materials serving to manufacture them by sampling a series housed in the Archives of the University of Granada, a task that is complicated by their multilayered nature (cloth, paper, printing inks and protective varnish). Preliminary identification of the fibrous elements reinforcing the papers and textiles by means of micro-invasive analytical techniques enables to subsequently define appropriate conservation and restoration protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin coating layers of cross-linked polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and inorganic particles including glass spheres (GS), colloidal and fumed silica (aero and N20), montmorillonite (MMT), and kaolin (K) were attached onto Grade 1 Whatman filter paper (WFP) substrates using the spraycoating procedure to achieve superhydrophobic hybrid paper sheets. Coating formulations were varied in terms of their PDMS molecular masses and inorganic particles to prepare different samples. The effect of PDMS molecular weight and change in inorganic particle composition on the optical properties, surface roughness, barrier properties, surface chemistry, and topography was investigated. Hybrid paper sheets with ΔE00 values lower than 1 could be achieved, the surface roughness of which could be decreased by increasing the PDMS molecular weight in the coating formulation. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed a homogeneous coating distribution, resulting in significant improvements in both the air and water barrier properties of the hybrid paper sheets. Spectroscopic investigations revealed the presence of interactions between the coating layer and the underlying paper substrate. Moreover, the distribution behavior of the inorganic particles on the spraycoated surfaces using the proposed method was also investigated using model compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses three large, almost identical oval breverls from the eighteenth century burial contexts in present-day Republic of Croatia. Two of them were discovered during archaeological excavations in Žuberak and Prozorje, while the third one from Ližnjan had not been defined as breverl until now. Breverls are the rarest and most enigmatic devotional objects but the three analysed in this paper have a common link other than their appearance. They all contained religious medals from pilgrim sites and papers with the prayer against all evils and demonic attacks on one side and the blessings of saints, the prayer for the identification of those tortured by evil spirits, and the Prologue to John's Gospel on the other. This article compares the papers discovered in them, studies the motifs from the mentioned breverls and analyses other finds from them to provide answers to the questions of their place of production, the identity of the people who wore them and why. Tentative correlation of different bioarchaeological factors, such as age, sex, and health condition of the deceased can give us much information on who breverl bearers were. Apparently, they were the vulnerable members of society, such as pregnant women, people suffering from poor health, or, as prayers from the breverls suggest, individuals believed to be tortured by demons or evil spirits. Taking that into account, breverls were devotional objects believed to provide universal protection, a sort of medicine case for both physical and spiritual problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric pressure plasma polymerization represents a promising coating technology, addressing drawbacks of traditional processes (solvent use, multistep procedures, etc.) while enabling deposition of thin cross‐linked polymer layers with high contour fidelity. We address technological challenges with a novel plasma device that integrates multiple plasma source benefits and investigate the suitability of two plant‐based precursors, chia and tung oil, for plasma polymerization to hydrophobize glass and paper. Chia oil enables the deposition of thin, covalently bonded hydrophobic polymer layers. Such coatings have diverse applications especially inside the paper industry, where water repellents in the form of internal and surface sizing have always been an essential functionalization step. Using bio‐based precursors and reducing extra chemicals contributes to substituting fossil‐based or harmful substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Paper manufacturers have long used silicone as the coating agent for release liners. However, silicone‐based release paper is very difficult to recycle due to covalent bonds between silicone and fibers. The most suitable solution to overcome this problem is to use alternative coating materials with adequate release properties, provided that they can be easily repulped in typical paper recycling facilities. We proposed a coating agent composed of phosphate esters and dimethylacetamide in order to manufacture a recyclable and efficient release paper. Analyses carried out on coated sheets showed that phosphate esters allowed the formation of a surface with adequate release properties (low peeling force and surface free energy). In addition, the residual adhesion values obtained with phosphate esters confirmed that they are well anchored on the backing paper surface, thus limiting the mass transfer to the adhesive tape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research work, a coated paper was prepared with poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) film to explore its use in eco-friendly food packaging. The paper was coated with PBAT film for packaging using hot pressing, a production method currently employed in the packaging industry. The coated papers were evaluated for their structural, mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. The structural morphology and chemical analysis of the coated paper confirmed the consistent formation of PBAT bi-layered on paper surfaces. Surface coating with PBAT film increased the water resistance of the paper samples, as demonstrated by tests of barrier characteristics, including the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), oxygen transmission rate (OTR), and water contact angle (WCA) of water drops. The transmission rate of the clean paper was 2010.40 cc m−2 per 24 h for OTR and 110.24 g m−2 per 24 h for WVTR. If the PBAT-film was coated, the value decreased to 91.79 g m−2 per 24 h and 992.86 cc m−2 per 24 h. The hydrophobic nature of PBAT, confirmed by WCA measurements, contributed to the enhanced water resistance of PBAT-coated paper. This result presents an improved PBAT-coated paper material, eliminating the need for adhesives and allowing for the fabrication of bi-layered packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the beginning of the 20th century, the eclectic artist Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo patented two innovative methods for polychrome printing on fabrics and textiles, giving life to Fortuny fabric production in Venice. The first patent was related to colour application, while the second to a special machine that allows continuous printing using cylindrical rollers. Despite the descriptions, the methodology and materials used remain a secret. In collaboration with the Fortuny Museum in Venice, this research aimed at studying and identifying the different steps of Fortuny printing methodologies. Printing matrices, fabrics and raw materials found in the artist’s studio were analysed in a multi-analytical campaign through digital microscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR), μ-Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Three main pigments were identified in paper samples: ivory black, a copper-based pigment, and a carbon black pigment with ultramarine for blues. The pigments were bound with linseed oil and colophony in varying proportions. Polychrome silk fabrics were dyed with a base colour, and then the coloured patterns were superimposed by continuous printing. Prussian blue was identified as one of the textile inks. Results provided a better understanding of printing methodology.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and chitosan (Cht) have been studied extensively for oxygen and water vapour barrier coatings in biodegradable, compostable or recyclable paper packaging. However, rare studies have been performed by using scalable, inexpensive, and fast continuous slot-die coating processes, and none yet in combination with fast' and high-throughput near-infrared (NIR) light energy drying. In this frame, we studied the feasibility of a moderately concentrated (11 wt%) anionic CNC and (2 wt%) cationic Cht coating (both containing 20 wt% sorbitol related to the weight of CNC/Cht), by using plain and pigment pre-treated papers. The effect of coating parameters (injection speed, dry thickness settings) were investigated on coating quantity (dry weight, thickness) and homogeneity (coverage), papers' structure (thickness, grammage, density), whiteness, surface wettability, barrier (air, oxygen and water vapour) properties and adhesion (surface strength). The coating homogeneity was dependent primarily on the suspensions' viscosity, and secondarily on the applied coating parameters, whereby CNCs could be applied at 1–2 times higher injection speeds (up to 80 mL/min) and versatile coating weights, but required a relatively longer time to dry. The CNCs thus exhibited outstanding air (4.2–1.5 nm/Pa s) and oxygen (2.7–1.1 cm3 mm/m2 d kPa) barrier performance at 50% RH and 22–33 g/m2 deposition, whereas on top deposited Cht (3–4 g/m2) reduced its wetting time and improved the water vapour barrier (0.23–0.28 g mm/m2 d Pa). The balanced barrier properties were achieved due to the polar characteristic of CNCs, the hydrophobic nature of Cht and the quantity of the applied bilayer coating that can provide sustainable paper-based packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article presents a history and stylistic analysis of the avant-garde furnished apartment-studio of the Italian Futurist Giacomo Balla (1871-1958), commonly known as Casa Balla. The decor and the painterly interior design of the flat portray the utopian premise of 1920s Futurism, which aimed at a modern synthesis of the arts and their complete integration into reality, in an intimate way. The author of the essay describes the current state of the "Balla House", which, after many years of oblivion, has been restored and opened to the public in a new arrangement in 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]