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<p>This study presents an integrated analytical investigation of a composite historical object consisting of a paper manuscript mounted on a wooden panel. The artifact belongs to a private collection and bears a clearly inscribed date of 1810 CE on the manuscript folio, providing a reliable chronological framework for the study. However, it remains unclear whether the manuscript was originally mounted on the wooden panel or if this was a later intervention. The research aimed to identify the constituent materials and evaluate their state of preservation to provide a scientific foundation for future conservation. Multiple analytical techniques were employed, including visual assessment, USB digital microscopy, optical microscopy, pH measurement, microbiological isolation and identification, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results indicated that the manuscript paper was cotton-based, with slightly acidic pH values reflecting ongoing deterioration. FTIR analysis revealed oxidative degradation of cellulose, evidenced by the formation of carbonyl groups, splitting of hydroxyl bands, and shifts in CH stretching vibrations. SEM confirmed fiber embrittlement, fragmentation, and fungal contamination. The ink was identified as carbon-based rather than iron-gall, with high carbon and oxygen content and minimal iron. The wooden panel was identified as Aleppo pine (<i>Pinus halepensis</i>); FTIR spectra showed the absence of hemicellulose and partial cellulose degradation, while lignin bands remained relatively stable. SEM observations confirmed fiber disintegration, cracks, crystalline deposits, and microbial activity. The adhesive was identified as gum Arabic, and the resinous incrustation on the wood was attributed to aged shellac, a material widely employed in the 19th century. Microbiological analysis further revealed fungal colonization by <i>Aspergillus flavus</i> and <i>Brachysporiella</i> on paper, and <i>Trichoderma</i> and <i>Phialophora</i> on wood. Overall, the multi-analytical approach allowed for precise identification of the composite materials and their deterioration pathways, highlighting the combined effects of acidic hydrolysis, oxidative processes, microbial colonization, and environmental fluctuations. These findings provide critical insights for developing targeted conservation strategies for composite heritage artifacts.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>

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Integrated multi-analytical characterization of a historical paper manuscript on a wooden panel: materials identification and deterioration assessment

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月29日

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  • Rushdya Rabee Ali Hassan,
  • Mourad Fawzy Mohamed,
  • Aya Elsaid Samna,
  • Mohamed Z. M. Salem

摘要

This study presents an integrated analytical investigation of a composite historical object consisting of a paper manuscript mounted on a wooden panel. The artifact belongs to a private collection and bears a clearly inscribed date of 1810 CE on the manuscript folio, providing a reliable chronological framework for the study. However, it remains unclear whether the manuscript was originally mounted on the wooden panel or if this was a later intervention. The research aimed to identify the constituent materials and evaluate their state of preservation to provide a scientific foundation for future conservation. Multiple analytical techniques were employed, including visual assessment, USB digital microscopy, optical microscopy, pH measurement, microbiological isolation and identification, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results indicated that the manuscript paper was cotton-based, with slightly acidic pH values reflecting ongoing deterioration. FTIR analysis revealed oxidative degradation of cellulose, evidenced by the formation of carbonyl groups, splitting of hydroxyl bands, and shifts in CH stretching vibrations. SEM confirmed fiber embrittlement, fragmentation, and fungal contamination. The ink was identified as carbon-based rather than iron-gall, with high carbon and oxygen content and minimal iron. The wooden panel was identified as Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis); FTIR spectra showed the absence of hemicellulose and partial cellulose degradation, while lignin bands remained relatively stable. SEM observations confirmed fiber disintegration, cracks, crystalline deposits, and microbial activity. The adhesive was identified as gum Arabic, and the resinous incrustation on the wood was attributed to aged shellac, a material widely employed in the 19th century. Microbiological analysis further revealed fungal colonization by Aspergillus flavus and Brachysporiella on paper, and Trichoderma and Phialophora on wood. Overall, the multi-analytical approach allowed for precise identification of the composite materials and their deterioration pathways, highlighting the combined effects of acidic hydrolysis, oxidative processes, microbial colonization, and environmental fluctuations. These findings provide critical insights for developing targeted conservation strategies for composite heritage artifacts.

Graphical abstract