Essential Oils for the Conservation of Paper Items

Archival documents and artworks stored in libraries frequently undergo degradative processes promoted by the so-called biodeteriogens that inhabit these places. A renewed interest in plant-derived products has arisen in those research groups focusing on cultural heritage preservation and looking for new and safe disinfection techniques. In this view, essential oils (EOs) and their volatile organic constituents are very appealing thanks to their versatility of action. A literature survey of the scientific publications involving EOs and/or their major constituents related to the conservation of paper items of cultural heritage interest is presented here, aiming to reveal benefits and limitations of such peculiar plant-derived compounds.

Automated summary

This literature survey analyzes the use of plant-derived products, specifically essential oils and their volatile organic constituents, for the preservation of paper items of cultural heritage. The results highlight the versatility of these compounds while also acknowledging their limitations.