Book Irradiation -Reply

[FRAMEP@ORAU.GOV]

The British Library has  used gamma irradiation to preserve books that
were deteriorating because of the acid in the paper. While the concern
here is mold, not acid, the library (if you can track it down) would
probably have some useful information. The info I have probably dates
from 1990 and the "preservation officer" at the library was a Marie
Jackson. The technique was developed at Surrey University. 

However, the process went a step beyond irradiation. Prior to irradiation,
the books were treated with a chemical which polymerized after the
irradiation. In other words, they plasticized the things. 

Clearly, this is not much help. Sorry.

Paul Frame
Professional Training Programs
ORISE
framep@orau.gov