parchment

Ingredients

animal flesh, gelatin, cellulose chains

Evidence

"Scientists and curators alike examine vellum and parchment, the paper product of animal flesh, for degradation."

Remarks

The study differentiates between the 'flesh side' and 'hair side' of parchment. The flesh side is noted to exhibit significantly more ink corrosion and faster decomposition due to the presence of gelatin and its 'worn-down quality' (p. 52). Iron-catalyzed oxidation is described as a primary mechanism for the breakdown of cellulose chains within the parchment (p. 49). Acid hydrolysis also contributes to the shortening of cellulose polymeric chains, reducing the mechanical strength of the material (p. 51).