Parchment is a writing medium obtained through the processing and tanning of animal skins, mainly sheep, goat and calf; is a support known since the ancient Egyptians, examples have been found dating back to 1000 BC. at the XX dynasty. Although it is usually...
Paper is the material usually present in larger quantities in an archive. There are many types of paper, depending on the materials and processes used for its manufacture, the inks that were used, the historical period of production, and other characteristics. In...
Biological degradation is mainly determined by the microbiological attack of fungi, bacteria, molds, and by the infestation of insects and rodents inside the storage rooms and the material itself, and is triggered by certain favorable environmental conditions. Fungal...
The chemical deterioration of archival material can usually occur due to two main triggering causes: the self-induced degradation of the same material of which the documentary assets are composed and the decay due to the interaction with substances found in the...
Physical degradation, resulting from profound structural changes in the composition of the basic substances of archival and book material, derives from three main factors: light, heat and humidity. These three elements act gradually and in depth, and their effect is...
The procedures for securing of cultural heritage vary according to the type of material and especially the type of damage it has suffered. In this article we will talk about: Security procedures after a fire Security procedures after an earthquake Security...