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Ink corrosion
The Netherlands Institute of Cultural Heritage (ICN) has recently developed a method for stopping the degradation of paper by iron gall ink corrosion. This consists of two phases. First the Institute neutralises the acid in the ink using calcium bicarbonate. Then an oxidation inhibitor, calcium phytate, binds the metal ions to stop the corrosion spreading.
In practice
The Nationaal Archief's restoration workshop applies the ICN method on a large scale. An archive affected by ink corrosion is repaired on a leafcasting machine. During this process, the leafcasting unit adds new fibres to the paper so that gaps are filled. Before the sheets are treated on the leafcasting machine, the restorer washes them in a water bath. Items containing iron gall ink are then treated with calcium bicarbonate and calcium phytate using the ICN method.
More information about ink-corrosion treatment during leafcasting can be found on the Iron gall ink corrosion website.
A document about ink-corrosion treatment during leafcasting can also be downloaded below (only available in Dutch).
 Inktvraat behandeling tijdens aanvezelen
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