SEM-EDX analysis of paper, leather and metal lock from an 18th century church book

Abstract

In this article paper, leather from book cover and metal lock from an 18th century church book were studied. The book was printed during the time of Mihai Constantin Șuțu, with the blessing of the Metropolitan of Moldova, Iacov Stamati. The analytical method used to study the components and the methods of obtaining all the important parts was the non-destructive technique SEM-EDX. The results regarding the used paper showed typical intermeshed cellulose fibers. In the case of leather, due to its advanced state of degradation, it was impossible to determine the type of animal from which the skin was used. The elemental analyses (EDX) of the metal lock indicated that it was made of brass. The results of the study of 18th century parts of the book, gave important information about the way of paper manufacture, the conservation state of the cover and the way that the metal lock was made and the safe way to clean it in the restoration and conservation process.