Methylcellulose as an impregnating agent for use in paper conservation

The effects of dry oven ageing on Whatman no. Chromatography paper treated with methylcellulose of different viscosities and at different concentrations are reported. The viscosities were 15, 400, 1500 and 4000 cP and the concentrations ranged from 1% w/v to 10% w/v. All treated papers were found to be stronger than untreated papers, with increases related to both increased MW and increased concentration. Factors related to actual use of methyl celluloses on papers of different types and for different needs have not been taken into consideration. Graphs, tables, references.