Application of hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose-methyl methacrylate copolymer emulsion in paper protection

Abstract Paper cultural relics are important historical and cultural heritage. However, they are easy to be damaged with time. In order to improve the mechanical strength, water resistance and delay aging of paper, hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose-methyl methacrylate copolymer emulsion for paper protection was synthesized, with hydroxyethyl cellulose as the matrix, methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate glycidyl methacrylate, and dodecyl methacrylate as the graft polymers. The prepared emulsion was applied to paper protection. By testing the effects of emulsion with different mass concentrations on the tensile strength, folding endurance, tear strength, whiteness and gloss of paper, the suitable conditions for the application of paper protection were found. The results showed that the mechanical properties of the paper coated with 10 % emulsion were significantly improved, and the gloss and whiteness were basically unchanged. The appearance of the paper did not change obviously, which was in line with the principle of “repair as old, keep the original”. At the same time, the aging resistance and water resistance experiments show that paper coated with the new material has certain aging resistance and water resistance. Therefore, the prepared hydroxyethyl cellulose-methyl methacrylate copolymer emulsion has great application prospects in the protection of paper.