CONSERVATION OF PAPER DOCUMENTS DAMAGED BY FOXING

Within foxings, the paper is weaker, more acidic, and more friable than outside of them. Foxings can appear because of iron oxidation or due to the influence of microorganisms. At present, the nature of foxings is still under discussion. The chemical composition and structure of foxings are insufficiently characterized. Moreover, these processes can vary depending on external conditions and the original composition of the paper. The main goal of researchers and restorers is to find methods for prevention and slowing of the paper damage and oxidative destruction. The solution of this problem will make possible to save unique artworks, rare old books and documents.