Abstract: In a combined system or method for extending the life expectancy of an article of cellulosic material such as a book or other paper, the book or other paper is put in preservation storage at subnormal temperature and subnormal humidity. The resulting loss of flexibility of the paper is remedied upon withdrawal of the book or other paper from storage through its accelerated simultaneous exposure to a partial vacuum of about 5 to 50 torr and to water vapor; a partial vacuum of about 12 to about 30 torr is preferred. This procedure restores both the temperature and moisture content of the paper to normal values.

Abstract: Books and other documents that are produced wholly or partly on paper of wood pulp origin are preserved by storing in an enclosed space containing a controlled atmosphere including about 0.05 to 10 ppm ammonia gas. This invention and all United States patent rights thereunder are assigned to the Government of the United States as represented by the Librarian of Congress. The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for Governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon.

Abstract: Felted cellulosic sheet material is treated with a solution of an alkali al borohydride in order to improve and stabilize its strength and brightness. A subsequent wash with deionized water or preferably an aqueous solution containing an alkaline earth metal hydroxide, carbonate, or bicarbonate further improves the stability of the brightness and strength of felted cellulosic sheet material. The washing of cellulosic sheet material is most efficiently accomplished in an apparatus providing a means to add a metered amount of alkaline earth metal hydroxide, carbonate, or bicarbonate to a continuously flowing stream of wash medium.

Abstract: A method of deacidifying paper wherein the paper has a substantially cellulose fiber base or substrate by exposing the paper to the vapors of a volatile organometallic compound and subsequently decomposing said compound to a base or alkaline material in situ. The treated material is usually first dried in vacuo and exposed under anhydrous or nearly anhydrous conditions to the organic-metallic compound. The method has the advantage of being able to treat large quantities of material at any one time.

Abstract: A composition for use in Deacidification of Paper, which comprises 0.1 to 20% by weight of methyl magnesium carbonate in an organic solvent, where the solvent is not harmful to the paper.