Multipurpose Equipment for Radio Frequency Plasma Decontamination and Protective Coating of Paper Materials

This paper presents a radio frequency plasma equipment designed to be used for the conservation procedures, such as decontamination, cleaning, and consolidation of cellulose-based materials. Decontamination and cleaning are carried out by the low-temperature nitrogen plasma generated between two electrodes, connected to a 1.5-MHz generator. The paper consolidation is performed by coating with compatible polymers in view of long term protection. Surface analyses (color analysis and electron microscopy) were undertaken to assess the uniform display of the polymer on the paper surface. The microbiological tests made on representative samples collected from historical books attested the complete inhibition of bacteria and fungi after, at most, 7-min treatment duration, depending on the initial infestation degree.