Publications

Data publikacji: 2025-06-07

Assessment of supercritical CO₂ treatment on historical cotton, leather, and paper from the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum

N. Pydyn, K. Kraśnicki, N. Jastrzebiowska, Malgorzata Zimowska, Ewelina Jarek, Jacek Gurgul, S. Bredeau, H. Bosbaty, A. Wawrzyk

Journal of Supercritical Fluids 225 (2025-06-07) 106689

Abstrakt

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) disinfection on the surface integrity of both model and historical materials, including leather, cotton, and paper. The historical samples analyzed belong to the collection of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum (ABSM). Two different process parameteres for scCO₂ treatments were tested. Post-treatment surface conditions were assessed through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The results revealed notable surface degradation under the tested conditions. Leather samples exhibited delamination, cracking, and material loss. Cotton samples showed surface erosion and discoloration, while historical paper exhibited slight fraying along fiber edges, potentially due to partial binder removal. In conclusion, the scCO₂ treatments applied in this study adversely affected the surface properties of the tested materials. However, these findings are specific to the chosen process parameters, and alternative conditions may yield better compatibility with historical materials. Further research is needed before excluding this method for heritage conservation purposes.

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