KIAACE
The definition of acid-free paper
Acid-free paper means that it does not contain active acids. The paper is firm and strong, close to neutral ( PH value at 7.0-8.5 ) and the weight and color of paper depend on the application. It is made of plant fiber pulp that has been specially processed ( to eliminate the organic acids in it ). Commonly the acid-free paper is for page of book or packaging.
What is the acid-free paper for at first ?
Paper cultural relics like newspaper, file, stamp, ancient book, etc, as a witness to history, carry a period of memory, have a very important significance of research and conservation
As the time went by, yellowing and aging became a fatal blow to most of paper cultural relics, especially, the wrong preservation methods accelerate this process.
Paper cultural relics were often placed in an environment without constant temperature and humidity, and packaged casually in kraft paper and plastic bag, resulting in molding and loss.
In order to preserve paper cultural relics and extend its service life, acid-free paper began to appear in the eyes of the people.
How does acid destroy paper?
American chemist William James Barrow confirms that the main cause of paper breakage is acid.
The main reasons of paper deterioration comes from the acidic materials in the environment and the increased acid content of paper itself during the conservation of the paper.
Paper is a cellulosic product. The glycoside bond connecting cellulose are unstable in an acidic environment. Under certain conditions, degradation reaction occurs. Then the degree of polymerization decreases. If the degree of polymerization decreases is below 200, the paper will become brittle. When the cellulose turns into glucose, the paper will be completely shredded.
The acid-free paper we use in client’s product
Our company is an FSC certified company and the acid-free paper we use is bleached with ECF. Bleaching with ClO2 instead of Cl2 greatly reduces the amount of chlorinated organic compounds in the wastewater, That is ECF bleaching technology.
In bleaching projects, Cl2 and Cl02 form chlorinated organic compounds. Cl02 generally splits the lignin apart. Then the chlorinated organics left behind are water-soluble and very similar to those chemicals originally present in the natural environment. Under the same quality of plup, the use of ECF can substantially reduce toxic substances in waste water.
The value of acid-free paper at present
From a commercial point of view, the process of producing acid-free paper is less harmful to the environment. Its service life is about 200 years, which stand for the high quality.
The use of acid-free paper can contribute to the world’s green development. Although acid-free paper is more expensive than other ordinary paper, the increased cost belongs to social responsibility. It undoubtedly brings certain economic benefits to the company. At the same time it also can an element of promotion for enterprises, which will bring more sticky consumers. Therefore, that will be a growth point of long-term interest.
With the strengthening of science and technology, the price of acid-free paper has decreased in comparison to the previous. And all types of books for daily use, such as notebooks, journals and planners can be customized with acid-free paper for inner page. Obviously, this is one of the signs to measure the level of quality of a book.
Although the world economy declined in the last two or three years, the quality of people’s lives will continued to rise in a sprial manner. The demand for the quality of paper materials is the same. High-quality paper will become the object of chasing in the market.
