Why Do Pages of Books and Newspapers Turn Yellow Over Time?

TL;DR

Paper was originally made from wet hemp in China around 100 BC and eventually spread across Asia and Europe. The invention of wood pulp paper in the mid-19th century revolutionized paper-making, but it is more prone to discoloration due to oxidation of cellulose and lignin.

Transcript

It is generally thought that paper was invented around 100 BC in China. Originally made from wet hemp that was, then, beaten to a pulp, tree bark, bamboo, and other plant fibers were eventually used. Paper soon spread across Asia, first only being used for official and important documents, but as the process became more efficient and cheaper, it be... Read More

Key Insights

• 📰 Paper was first invented in China and later spread to Europe, becoming more common with the introduction of printing press technology.
• 🏮 The invention of wood pulp paper in the mid-19th century revolutionized paper-making due to its lower cost and availability.
• 🌲 Wood pulp paper is more prone to discoloration due to oxidation of cellulose and lignin present in wood fibers.
• 💛 Lignin, a compound found in wood, makes the paper stronger but also susceptible to yellowing when exposed to oxygen and sunlight.
• ✋ Newspapers, which have a higher lignin content, tend to yellow more quickly than higher-grade papers used for books.
• 🥶 Acid-free paper with limited lignin content is now used to create important documents to prevent deterioration.
• 😎 Proper storage conditions, such as cool, dry, and dark places, can help slow down the discoloration process of aged paper.
• 😎 Limiting the handling of valuable paper documents and storing them behind UV-protected glass can also prevent further damage.

Questions & Answers

Q: How was paper originally made?

Paper was first made from wet hemp in China, later transitioning to the use of tree bark, bamboo, and other plant fibers.

Q: When did paper arrive in Europe?

Paper arrived in Europe around the 11th century, spreading from Asia. It was initially used for official and important documents.

Q: What advancements led to paper becoming more common?

The invention of the Gutenberg printing press in the mid-15th century made paper production more efficient and cheaper, leading to its widespread use.

Q: Who invented wood pulp paper?

Wood pulp paper was independently invented by Charles Fenerty in Canada and Friedrich Gottlob Keller in Germany in 1844. Fenerty introduced the concept of using wood pulp as a substitute for expensive cotton in paper.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Paper was invented in China around 100 BC, made initially from wet hemp and later from tree bark, bamboo, and other plant fibers.

• It first arrived in Europe in the 11th century and was used for official documents, eventually becoming common with the invention of the Gutenberg printing press.

• Wood pulp paper was invented in 1844 by Charles Fenerty in Canada and Friedrich Gottlob Keller in Germany, providing a cheaper alternative to cotton paper.