ATR-FTIR characterization of old pressure sensitive adhesive tapes in historic papers

In this study, several deteriorated pressure sensitive adhesive tapes (PSATs) applied in the past for repairing ripped paper documents of 19th century and books of 20th century were analyzed by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy technique. The comparison of FTIR spectra of the old tapes with those of some commercially available tapes subjected to accelerated aging allowed us to identify, in a fast and nondestructive way, the main classes of old tapes on the basis of their backing (cellophane, cellulose acetate, polyvinyl chloride and polypropylene) and adhesive (natural rubber, synthetic rubber and acrylic polymer) compositions. This procedure's results were very useful to the paper restorers and conservators, who will have the possibility of choosing the most appropriate conservation treatment for the removal of pressure sensitive adhesive tapes that can be found on many paper documents.