Enhancing the Durability of Palm-Leaf Manuscripts: A Comparative Study of CPAM and CQAS Encapsulation Materials

Palm-leaf manuscripts (PLMs) represent a significant component of cultural heritage as a medium for information recording. However, the inherent fragility of these organic materials presents a major challenge for their long-term preservation. Therefore, enhancing the durability of PLMs to ensure longevity has become a critical issue in conservation research. This study includes an examination of the potential of two polymers, cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) and chitosan quaternary ammonium salt (CQAS), for PLM encapsulation. The encapsulation effects of these materials were assessed through artificial moist heat-accelerated aging tests, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of structural and mechanical properties at both the macroscopic and microscopic levels. The results indicated that CPAM provided superior performance in terms of gloss, color stability, hydrophobicity, pH value, and tensile properties, whereas CQAS demonstrated notable antifungal efficacy. Both CPAM and CQAS possess distinct advantages and can significantly contribute to the preservation of PLMs. This work offers valuable insights for developing effective conservation strategies, emphasizing the potential of CPAM and CQAS as viable encapsulation materials in the face of conservation requirements.