Ageing behavior of beeswax coated hanji(I) -Thermal ageing test of beeswax coated hanji

The annals of Joseon Dynasty has been known as one of the UNESCO's Memory of the World Heritage. The annals of Joseon Dynasty composed with two kind of books, wax coated book and non coated book. Especially the waxed book have been severely damaged by various reason. For the safety preservation of the annals of Joseon Dynasty waxed book, the thermal ageing mechanism of beeswax coated Hanji paper has been evaluated. The weight loss of waxed Hanji were rapidly increased until 30 days in three temperatures(105, 120 & 150°C) and stabilized after 30 days. The acid value and relative intensity of carbonyl groups in beeswax were increased with strong conditions. This means that the deterioration of beeswax should be progressed with oxidizing reaction. The physical strength and the crystallinity of dewaxed Hanji were decreased with ageing time.