Description:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p><jats:bold>Summary.</jats:bold> The present paper examines oxidative degradation of cellulose catalyzed by presence of Cu<jats:sup>1+</jats:sup>and Cu<jats:sup>2+</jats:sup> ions in the context of historic paper conservation treatments. Aqueous treatments of degraded papers further spread transition metal ions, such as copper, across the fibre matrix, and therefore augment the detrimental effect of these ions. In the paper industry, the inhibiting effects of magnesium ions on metal‐catalyzed degradation of cellulose contaminated with metal impurities have been observed. Also, magnesium compounds dissolved in alcoholic or aqueous solutions are generally used in paper conservation as deacidification agents. Paper samples with artificially produced copper corrosion served as mock‐ups for examination and comparison of different treatments which focused on the inhibiting effect of magnesium and antioxidants. Analytical examination of molecular weight distribution, carbonyl content, carboxyl content, and surface pH was performed. Results show an inhibiting effect of magnesium on copper‐catalyzed cellulose degradation, although less pronounced than expected.</jats:p>