Influence of gamma radiation on properties of paper and textile fibres during disinfection

At the present time, gamma radiation is once again being employed for mass disinfection of materials in cultural heritage conservation. Its in-depth and homogeneous effect and also the ability to rapidly treat a large number of items are among the undoubted advantages of this method. However, use of the higher doses of gamma radiation necessary for disinfection entails the risk of damage to organic materials. This work is concerned with the effect of various doses of gamma radiation on cellulosic materials (various kinds of paper and cotton textiles) and on proteinaceous materials (silk). The long-term stability of irradiated samples was also studied during artificial ageing by moist heat, along with the post-irradiation effect. The degree of degradation was studied by means of colorimetry, UV/Vis spectroscopy, viscometry (determination of limiting viscosity number or average degree of polymerization), molar weight distribution and mechanical properties.