A scientific approach for evaluating extremely caked paper manuscript kept in Al-Azhar Library in Cairo

Purpose Paper aims to determinate caking paper manuscript cause through studying of the manuscript components, bio-deterioration and physio-chemical deterioration factor. It will facilitate manuscripts and paper conservators to understand paper blocking and caking phenomenon. Design/methodology/approach The manuscript condition has been diagnosed by focusing on adhesion and fossilization regions. To achieve this, some methods of analysis and examination were used, such as visual examination, digital microscopy and scanning electron microscope were used to studying surface changes. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared microscopy were used to determinate of cellulose crystallinity, ink composition and identify the binding medium. Findings The results revealed the use of cotton pulp, and calcium carbonate was among the fillers that were used to improve the properties of paper. The crystallization of cellulose was lower in the first and last papers than the papers located in the heart of the manuscript. The most important reasons that led to the papers caking was the presence of fungi A. niger, Cladosporium sp, Chaetomium sp, by secreting some enzymes in combination with some other factors such as difference variation in temperature and moisture. Originality/value All deterioration factors participate with each other until rule the damage circle of the papers because one factor alone cannot stick the papers. It was inferred from the examinations and analyzes that were conducted for the samples.