Thermographic study of microstructural defects in deteriorated parchment sheets

Abstract
IR thermography has been applied to the study of the aging of ancient books. The structure of some parchment bindings has been analysed in order to detect subsurface damages and features of the assembly technique. The morphology of micro fractures and flaking in parchment and the evidence the produce in the thermographic images have also been studied combining electron microscopy and pulsed thermography. Finally, in order to determine effects of degradation on the thermal transport properties of the parchment, the same technique has been applied for the determination of the thermal diffusivity in parchment sheets showing different preservation states.