ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Microblasting of powdered cellulose has been evaluated as a new dry cleaning technique for paper-based supports as a first stage of this project. Different cleaning tests were conducted on some documents with different properties and results were compared to traditional eraser cleaning. According to the results, the technique does not entail changes of the treated supports surface. Besides, residues that may remain are chemically compatible with paper, preventing negative long-term effects. Similar tests are currently underway on photographs and tracing paper where dry cleaning with erasers is especially hazardous. As a second stage of this project, the use of powdered cellulose as reinforcement of paper artworks is being assessed especially in modern supports made of different short fibres where the use of long linters for in-fillings may cause risk of tensions. Tests are also conducted in the reinforcement of 3D paper objects with powdered cellulose.
