Preparation of vinyl acetate/acrylate emulsion modified with carboxymethyl cellulose and fluorine for paper relic protection

Due to the delicate materials of paper, paper relics are easily damaged and naturally aged. Therefore, the synthesis of waterproof, anti-aging, and reversible composites that meet the requirements of the protection of paper relics is still a challenging task. In response to this problem, a series of carboxymethyl cellulose/fluorine/vinyl acetate/acrylate (CMC/F/VAc/A) composites with different fluorine contents were prepared. The stability, viscosity, surface tension, contact angle, swelling degree, chemical structure, hardness, surface morphology, and thermal stability of the composites were analyzed, and the results indicated that the CMC/F/VAc/A composite (F-5) exhibited excellent comprehensive performances when the content of dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate (DFMA) was 25 wt.%. Besides, the results of dry heat accelerated aging treatment, and reversible experiment showed that the CMC/F/VAc/A composite (F-5) had an excellent anti-aging effect and good reversibility. After 72 h of dry heat accelerated aging, the tensile strength retention rate and mass loss rate of the paper samples coated with protective composites were 89.92% and 3.88%, respectively. This study will be helpful for better restoration and protection of the paper relics.

Automated summary

Due to their delicate nature, paper relics are prone to damage and aging. Finding waterproof, anti-aging, and reversible composites that meet the requirements of paper relic preservation is a challenging task. This study prepared carboxymethyl cellulose/fluorine/vinyl acetate/acrylate (CMC/F/VAc/A) composites with varying fluorine contents, and analyzed their stability, viscosity, surface tension, contact angle, swelling degree, chemical structure, hardness, surface morphology, and thermal stability. The results showed that a composite with a 25 wt.% dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate content exhibited excellent performance in terms of anti-aging and reversibility, making it an effective protective coating for paper relics.