Assessment of raw papers from non-wood fibres for storage and packaging of archival materials and cultural heritage objects through a multi-disciplinary diagnostic methodology

This study aims to propose a multidisciplinary methodology for the assessment of raw papers made of fibres from annual plants, and to investigate their sheet-forming behaviour and potential for packaging materials for cultural heritage objects or archive collections. The study highlights the effects of dry heating artificial ageing on the mechanical and optical properties of the papers. Their morphology was examined through non-destructive spectral imaging in visible (VIS) and ultraviolet-induced visible luminescence (UVL), colourimetry and glossimetry. SEM and Dino Lite handheld digital microscopy have also been employed. The evaluated raw papers presented durability after ageing, with minor changes in pH, visual characteristics (colour/gloss), and mechanical properties (tensile strength), pointing to the usability of non wood packaging materials. The study can serve as a guide for a multi-faceted diagnostic methodology and in-situ testing for the assessment of newly developed and possibly sustainable packaging materials for sensitive archive collections and cultural heritage objects.