Considerations on factors influencing the degradation of cellulose in alum-rosin sized paper.

In Europe, the use of aluminium(III) compounds, namely AlK(SO4)2·12H2O and later on Al2(SO4)3·18H2O for hardening gelatin sizes was recorded as early as the 16th century. This review is focused on the critical assessment of published data concerning the following chemical aspects of paper degradation: direct influence of H3O+ ions formed during hydrolysis of aluminium(III) species; influence of low-molecular organic acids formed within degradation processes; influence of pH variation on the redox potential of reactive oxygen species acting as oxidizing agent; consequences of the absorption of gaseous NO2 and SO2 present in the air for paper degradation; involvement of aluminium species in redox radical oxidation catalytic processes; possible effect of the coordination of Al(III) with small radius and high charge on oxygen atoms of cellulose carboxyl or hydroxyl groups. It is indicated how the understanding of the above mentioned effects can help slow down paper degradation.