Evaluating the effects of gamma irradiation on early 20th-century paper for paper-based cultural heritage preservation using non-destructive and minimally destructive techniques

Authors

  • Rocco Carcione
  • Beatrice D'Orsi ENEA
  • Elena Palmieri
  • Jessica Scifo
  • Ilaria Di Sarcina
  • Luca Maiolo
  • Francesco Maita
  • Alessia Cemmi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21014/actaimeko.v15i3.2125

Keywords:

gamma irradiation, cellulose, lignin, cultural heritage, paper materials, measurements

Abstract

This study investigates the secondary effects of gamma irradiation on early 20th-century paper samples from historical books, aiming to evaluate the suitability of this method for preserving cultural heritage (CH) materials. In recent years, gamma irradiation has gained recognition as an effective decontamination approach, capable of eradicating biodeteriogens without the use of harmful chemicals or heat. However, concerns persist about potential alterations in the structural and chemical integrity of aged paper artifacts. To address these issues, a set of non-destructive and minimally destructive analytical techniques, such as micro-Raman, FTIR-ATR, and EPR spectroscopies, along with thermogravimetric analysis, was employed to monitor possible changes in the morphology, molecular structure, chemical composition, radical content, and thermal stability of the samples. Results indicate that gamma irradiation at doses below 10 kGy does not cause significant degradation in the physico-chemical properties of this kind of historical paper. These findings offer new insights into the effects of ionizing radiation on aged paper, and contribute to the development of safe, standardized irradiation protocols for CH conservation. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of combining multiple analytical techniques to ensure accurate diagnostics, reinforcing gamma irradiation as a reliable and practical tool for the long-term preservation of vulnerable paper-based heritage artifacts.

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Published

2026-09-21

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 3 (2026)

Section

Research Papers

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Rocco Carcione, Beatrice D'Orsi, Elena Palmieri, Jessica Scifo, Ilaria Di Sarcina, Luca Maiolo, Francesco Maita, Alessia Cemmi

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