Johan G. Neevel, Birgit Reißland

Bathophenanthroline Indicator Paper
Development of a New Test for Iron Ions*
Due to their catalytic activity in oxidation processes, iron(II) ions
are harmful to organic substrates like paper and parchment. The
presence of iron ions in artefacts may require treatments toremove or inactivate them. A non-bleeding indicator paper todetect iron(II) ions has been developed. In direct contact with thearea to be tested, the humidified indicator paper turns magenta
when iron(II) ions are present. Since the indicator Bathophenanthroline is specific for iron(II) ions, iron(III) ions that havemigrated to the indicator paper can only be detected indirectly byaddition of a reductant to the indicator paper. This is referred toas modified iron(II) test. Suitable (micro) testing procedures aredescribed. Examples of the application of the indicator paper in thefield of paper conservation are given.

Paper conservators need to have simple, quick and, preferably,
non-destructive methods to evaluate the condition of artefacts,
to determine the need for a conservation treatment and to assess
associated requirements and risks. One of the things they wantto test is the presence of iron ions in paper and other organic
materials. Iron ions catalyse the oxidative degradation of organic substrates and they must be regarded as an inherent hazard.
The presence of iron ions crucially influences the choice of aconservation treatment.
To detect iron ions, a contact test for soluble iron salts could
be conducted with commercially available indicator papers. Unfortunately, these papers apply water-soluble indicators. Therefore, when the humid test paper is brought into contact with an
original, the indicator might migrate to the original and develop an unacceptable discolouration in the presence of iron ions.
In this publication, development and recommended application
techniques of a non-staining indicator paper for water-solubleiron ions, applying the indicator bathophenanthroline, are described.
Sources of Iron Ions in Paper

Water: When derived from an iron-rich source, the water used
for producing paper will have contained iron salts that are
adsorbed to the paper fibres. This might cause overall or local
iron contaminations, which will be perceptible over time asbrown discolouration or stains. Closed water systems confront
the modern paper maker with the problem of increasing metal
ion contents of the water during the production process.
Additives: Non-purified additives that were derived from mineralsources, e.g. fillers like china clay could be contaminated withtransition metal ions. This can cause severe formation of brownstains (Fig. 1 a); especially under oxidative conditions (Ligterink et al. 2004). Both, aluminium potassium sulfate and aluminium sulfate could be contaminated with iron ions (Brückle 1993).
28

Bathophenanthroline-Indikatorpapier:Entwicklung eines neuen Tests für Eisenionen

Aufgrund ihrer katalytischen Aktivität in Oxidationsprozessen
sind Eisen(II)-ionen verhängnisvoll für organische Materialien
wie z.B. Papier oder Pergament. Das Vorhandensein von Eisenionen in Objekten kann Behandlungen erfordern, um sie zu entfernen oder zu inaktivieren. Ein nicht blutendes Indikatortestpapier zur Erfassung von Eisen(II)-ionen wurde entwickelt. In
direktem Kontakt mit dem zu testenden Bereich verfärbt sich das
Indikatorpapier magenta, wenn Eisen(II)-ionen vorhanden sind.
Da der Indikator spezifisch für Eisen(II)-ionen ist, können in das
Indikatorpapier migrierte Eisen(III)-ionen nur indirekt, durch
Zufügung eines Reduktionsmittels auf die Reaktionszone desIndikatorpapieres, erfaßt werden. Dies wird als modifizierter
Eisen(II)-test bezeichnet. Geeignete (Mikro-)Testmethoden werdenbeschrieben. Beispiele zur Anwendung des Tests auf dem Gebiet
der Papierrestaurierung werden erörtert.
Paper making machines: Iron-clad beaters as well as the ironcutting blades of early prototypes of the ‘Hollanders’, caused the deposition of metal inclusions within the paper (Hey 1988; Fig. 1 b).
Media: Iron containing pigments like Prussian Blue (Ferric
Ferrocyanide Fe4(Fe[CN]6)3 / Potassium Ferric-Ferrocyanide
KFe [Fe(CN)6]), yellow/brown/red ochres (iron oxides), Green
earth, or inks like iron gall inks (iron[III] tannates) form asource of iron in artefacts (Fig. 1 c). Attention should be drawn
to the fact that media can contain iron by secondary sources likeiron containing toners or fillers. Also, storage containers might
be a source of iron contamination, as described in the case ofbistre ink (Burandt 1994).
Sand: Sand, historically applied on fresh inks in order todecrease their drying time, can consist of iron containing minerals like Biotite, Magnetite or Stanekite. Mostly, iron-containing
particles are dark-brown or black-coloured, and opaque. Also,
pure iron particles can be applied to inks, appearing glittering
under raking light (Reißland 2004; Fig. 1 d).
External sources: Iron nails, tacks or staples used to mountobjects, iron-contaminated water (e.g. leakage water; Owen
1994), blood stains etc. can be a source of iron in paper.
The Risks of Iron Ions in Paper or Parchment

Like most transition metal ions, iron ions are harmful to paper
and parchment (Strlič et al. 2003; Banik 1997; Shahani et al.
1986). They can be present in two oxidation states: as iron(II)or as iron(III) ions. Iron(II) ions catalyse the decay of cellulose(e.g. paper) and collagen (e.g. parchment) by promoting thedecomposition of pre-formed peroxides to hydroxyl- and alkoxy
radicals. Those species initiate the oxidation of the substrate,
which results in discolouration and loss of mechanical strength(Neevel 1995). Iron(II) ions can be transported to reactive sites
on the cellulose or collagen within the water absorbed to thesubstrate. Iron(III) ions tend to exist predominately as hydroPapier Restaurierung Vol. 6 (2005), No. 1

Bathophenanthroline Indicator Paper

xides, which have low water solubility (Pourbaix 1963). Unfortunately, iron(III) ions can be ‘recycled’ to iron(II) ions by
reducing substances such as cellulose degradation products present in the paper, like. low-molecular carbohydrates (Ntsihlele etal. 1994) or tannic and gallic acid present in iron gall inks

ceanainn 2001). This conversion is accelerated under acid con-ditions, e.g. those prevailing in iron gall inks (Powell and Taylor
1982). The oxidation / reduction reactions will always continue
in the presence of air and reducing substances. Iron(II) ionshave to be considered as a direct threat to the permanence of thesubstrate, whereas iron(III) hydroxides are a future hazard,(Theis and Singer 1974; Powell and Taylor 1982; Hynes and Coin-

a

b

a
c

d
a

1

Sources of iron in paper: Filler used for paper making that has been contaminated with an iron-containing mineral (a); iron particle
inclusion with halo (b); iron gall ink (c); ‘sand’ containing iron particles (Ø 150-250 µm) on an iron gall ink (d).

32Papier Restaurierung Vol. 6 (2005), No. 1

Application of
an indicatorsolutioncaused a stain.

Applicationof an indicator
paper. Stainingof the original
by a watersoluble indicator (right)
in comparison
with a waterinsoluble indicator (left).

29

Johan G. Neevel, Birgit Reißland

especially when acidity increases. Raised humidity or local wetting of papers contaminated with iron ions will cause migrationof soluble iron ions and leads to accumulation of iron salts inthe evaporating area, e.g. in the area of tide lines. It has beenreported that the use of oxidizing bleaching agents, esp. hydrogen peroxide on originals containing iron ions caused the formation of intolerable brown stains within a period of several
months (Ligterink et al. 2004).
Methods to Detect Iron in Paper or Parchment
Analytical Methods

There are several instrumental methods available to detect ironin paper and parchment. µ-XRF analysis (X-ray Fluorescence
Analysis; Hahn et al. 2003; Jembrih-Simbürger 2004), EDX-Analysis (Electron Dispersive X-ray Analysis) usually combined with
Scanning Electron Microscopy (Stachelberger et al. 1983) andPIXE (Particle Induced X-ray Emission; Del Carmine et al. 1996;
Budnar et al. 2003) have been used for analysis of inks on
manuscripts. However, these only detect the total iron content
and they do not give information about the form in which ironis present nor do they discern between the iron(II) and theiron(III) oxidation state. Typical detection limits for XRF are 20
ppm (Bronk et al. 2001) and for PIXE: 2 ppm (Budnar et al.
2003). ESCA (Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis) provides information about the chemical substance to which theiron is bound and, therefore, is suitable for ink identification(Griebenow et al. 1983). Mössbauer spectroscopy (Darbour et al.
1981; Bulska and Wagner 2002) and µ-XANES (Micro X-Ray
Absorption Near Edge Structure; Proost et al. 2004) are the only
instrumental analytical techniques that can analyse the relative
amounts of the iron(II) and iron(III) oxidation state. While
Mössbauer spectroscopy has a relatively low sensitivity and needs
large amounts of sample (up to half a page), µ-XANES can be
carried out in situ.
In general, the accessibility of instrumental techniques tothe paper conservator is usually impeded by high costs, thenecessity to transport the object to the equipment and their low
sensibility. Of all these techniques, XRF, EDX, PIXE and µXANES
can be conducted in a non-destructive way, without the need totake a sample of the original.
Indicators

A more convenient method, which can be carried out in any
paper-conservation studio, is the application of specific ironindicators. In the presence of water, absorbed to the paper, suchreagents form intensely coloured complexes with iron(II) andiron(III) salts. In order to be able to detect iron ions that are partof a complex, like in the case of Prussian Blue, it is importantthat the iron/indicator complexes to be formed should be morestable than the iron complex to be tested. Historically, many
applications of iron indicators are presented in the field of forensic science (Witte 1963; Rhodes 1940). One of the oldest forensic test for iron is mentioned by Plinius the Younger (23-79
A.D.), who described the use of papyrus impregnated with tannic acid for detecting iron in adulterated verdigris (Rackham
1961: 211). In Table 1 some examples of reagents used for thedetection of iron ions in iron gall inks are given.
Application Techniques

Indicator solutions: The easiest technique is a direct application of the reagent onto the testing area (one step application).
The colour change is observed right away (Fig. 2). This method
is applied in situations were damage to the original is not an
issue, e.g. testing conservation materials or application in forensic science. If staining of the material is not tolerable, the test
must be carried out indirectly by applying a drop of distilledwater or, even more effective, in the case of iron ions, a diluteacid solution on the original. The surplus solution containing
the dissolved iron ions is soaked up with a blotting paper. The
reagent solution is applied onto the blotting paper (two step
application). After some seconds, the colour develops in the presence of iron ions (Cunha and Cunha 1971; Snow and Zammit 1987).
Indicator test papers: The reaction zone of commercially avail-Tab. 1 Some analytical reagents used for the detection of iron ions especially in inks.
Reagent

Reagent
dissolvesin waterSpecificfor

Product
formedProductcolourProductdissolvesin waterApplication

Tannic acid

Yes

Iron (II) and
Iron (III)Iron(III) tannates(Iron gall ink)

BluishNo

Indicator solution, one step application (Plinius)

Potassium
ferrocyanide

Yes

Iron(III)

KFeIIIFeII(CN)6(Prussian Blue)

Blue

No

Indicator solution (5 % sol.) + 5 % sulphuric acid,one step application (Witte 1963)
Indicator solution (1 % sol.) + 5 % acetic acid,two step application (Witte 1963)

Potassium
thiocyanate

Yes

Iron(III)

1:1 iron(III)thiocyanate

Red

Yes

Indicator solution, (1 % sol.) + 5 % acetic acidtwo step application (Cunha and Cunha 1971)

2,2′-Bipyridyl

Yes

Iron(II)

1:3 iron(II)-bipyridyl

Red

Yes

Indicator solution (1 % sol.) + 1.8 % hydrochloric
acid, one step application (Rhodes 1940)
Indicator solution (2 % sol. In Ethanol) 5 % acetic
acid, two step application (Snow and Zammit 1987)
Indicator paper (Merck test), two step application(Haberditzl 1999)

30

Papier Restaurierung Vol. 6 (2005), No. 1

Bathophenanthroline Indicator Paper

able analytical test strips consists of a highly pure paper that has
been impregnated with an indicator. Usually, these test strips are
dipped in a sample solution and after a certain reaction time, thecolour of the test strip is compared with a colour scale. Thisapplication technique can be modified by moistening the test
strip with water and pressing it against a surface to be tested.
However, if the indicator is water soluble, the risk that the indicator migrates to the original, forming unacceptable stains in
the presence of iron ions is quite high. This has been observedwith commercially available Merckoquant® Fe-Test strips using
2,2′-bipyridil as an indicator (Fig. 3). Therefore, such indicator
strips should only be used indirectly on originals by applying adrop of distilled water on the surface and absorbing the surplus
solution with a blotting paper which then is brought into contact
with the indicator paper (Haberditzl 1999). This second migration step for iron ions from the blotting paper to the indicator
paper might reduce the sensitivity of this test.
It can be concluded, that none of the available methods
meets the demands for a regular use on artefacts in a conservation laboratory. In order to make a thorough treatment decision,
the detection of the presence of detrimental iron ions is essential for paper conservators. Therefore, a fast, sensitive, cheap,
easily interpretable test, that should not require sampling andleave no residues on the object, needed to be developed.
Choice of an Appropriate Iron Indicator

Migration of water-soluble indicators to the artefact can be
avoided by using a reagent, which is not water-soluble. In thisway coloured products are only formed on the test paper in thepresence of iron ions. Consequently, the indicator paper can beapplied directly to the surface of an object. Due to the directcontact, such a test is expected to be more sensitive. For iron
ions, however, such indicator papers are not commercially available. The literature was searched for an indicator with a low
water-solubility, a high sensitivity for iron ions and a low sensitivity for other metal ions. 4,7-Diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline orbathophenanthroline (Fig. 4) is used in extraction procedures forvery sensitive determinations of iron in high-purity non-ferro
metals (Penner and Inman 1962). It is a derivative of 1,10phenanthroline, which in itself is an iron(II) indicator (Schilt1969). The compound is soluble in ethanol, benzene or acetone,
but only sparingly in water. Like 2,2′-bipyridyl (used in the
Merckoquant® Fe Test), Bathophenanthronline forms amagenta coloured, 1:3 complex with iron(II) ions where 1iron(II) ion is bound to 3 indicator molecules. Moreover, it has
a much higher molar extinction coefficient (ε = 22 400 l/[mol cm] at γmax = 533 nm, instead of ε = 8700 l/[mol  cm] at

γmax = 522 nm) than 2,2′-bipyridil (Schilt 1969). Therefore,
Bathophenanthronline is about 2.6 times as sensitive as 2,2′bipyridyl.
The magenta coloured complex has a very good colour stability, even over years (own observation). It has a very low solubility in water, but easily dissolves in a range of organic solvents,
e.g. ethanol, isoamyl alcohol, isoamyl acetate, chloroform andn-hexanol, with which it can be extracted from the aqueous
phase (Schilt 1969). The complexation is specific for iron(II)ions, which can be determined even in the presence of a highexcess of iron(III) ions (Schilt 1969).
Because of its high sensitivity and specificity for iron(II)ions, the low water solubility of the compound itself and itsiron(II) complex, bathophenanthroline was chosen as the mostsuitable indicator for the preparation of a non-bleeding indicator paper for iron(II) ions.
Modification to Detect Iron(III) Ions

As already stated, bathophenanthroline only forms complexes
with iron(II) ions. Iron(III) ions, migrating to the test strip
during its contact with the tested area, are not detected. To be
detected, they have to be reduced to iron(II) ions, which can beachieved by applying a solution of a reducing agent to the strip
after it has been in contact with the tested area. Reducing agentscan be acid compounds, e.g. ascorbic and citric acid, or neutralcompounds, e.g. sodium dithionite.
Care should be taken, as also water-insoluble, iron-containing substances, like iron gall ink, Prussian blue, iron(III) oxide
or iron(III) phytate can be transferred to the test strip. Adding
acid reducing agents can release iron(III) ions from such substances. After reduction, they will be detected as iron(II) ions. If
the test is intended to detect only free iron(III) ions, a neutral
reducing agent should be chosen.
Materials and Methods

A test batch of indicator paper was prepared by impregnating filter papers (589/2, Ø 70 mm: Schleicher & Schuell) with a solution of bathophenanthroline (Fluka, p.a.) in ethanol (Nedalco,
99.9 %), containing 1.6 g/l of the indicator. With a capillary
pipette 10 drops of this solution were placed on the centre of thefilter paper with in-between evaporation of the solvent. To beable to retrace it, the border of the impregnated part was marked with a pencil. Later, a larger amount of indicator paper was
prepared by the German firm Schleicher & Schuell. In one batchprocess, 4.3 m2 of filter paper were impregnated by immersion
in a solution of bathophenanthroline in ethanol (1.6 g/l). The
surface concentration of the indicator was about 1 g/m2.
Micro Testing Procedures

4

Papier Restaurierung Vol. 6 (2005), No. 1

Chemical structure of 4,7-diphenyl-1,10phenanthroline
or bathophenanthroline.

The bathophenanthroline indicator papers were applied todefine the most suitable testing procedures. Originals where thepresence of iron(II) ions was expected—e.g. metal inclusions,foxing stains, tide lines and iron gall inks—were tested before,
and the ink corroded papers also during and after treatment,
applying the indicator paper on the original’s surface. The
bathophenanthroline indicator paper has also been used to test
31

Johan G. Neevel, Birgit Reißland

aqueous treatment solutions aiming for the removal or immobilisation of iron(II) ions. The recommended procedures aredescribed here:
Detection of Iron Ions in Solution

The test can be used in order to find out if a treatment solution(e.g. tap water) is contaminated with iron ions. Furthermore,
the efficacy of a treatment can be tested by determination of iron
ions that dissolved in the treatment solution during treatment.
Needed equipment: Iron(II) indicator paper, pair of scissors(stainless steel), tweezers (stainless steel or plastic), blotting
paper (filter paper, ash free).
Procedure: A piece of indicator paper is dipped into the treatment solution for some seconds until it is fully wetted. It shouldbe blotted and placed on a white support such as filter paper. The
colour will intensify and be complete after 2-5 min. To get an
estimation of the iron(II) concentration in solution, the strip
can be compared with a colour chart developed by the CanadianConservation Institute (Vuori and Tse in press).
Detection of Iron Ions on Surfaces

All kinds of surfaces like paper, parchment, media, inks can betested for the presence of iron ions. Recently published studies
confirmed that the bathophenanthroline indicator paper is quite

5

a
6

32

Equipment for detection of iron ions on surfaces: Iron(II)indicator paper, distilled or deionised water, ascorbic acid,pair of scissors, tweezers, inert plastic foil, blotting paper,
pipette and a timer.

b

useful to test textile surfaces of cellulosic-, silk- or acidic collagen fibres (Vuori and Tse in press). Also, the test is quite usefulfor testing if tools are stainless steel or if they are contaminatedwith soluble iron salts.
Needed equipment: Iron(II) indicator paper, distilled or deionised water, ascorbic acid (1 % w/w aqueous solution), pair ofscissors (stainless steel), tweezers (stainless steel or plastic),
inert plastic foil (Mylar, Melinex), blotting paper (filter paper,ash free), pipette and a timer (Fig. 5).
Procedure: The object should be placed on an inert, clean support like glass or plastic. To reduce the contact area between
indicator paper and original, the size of the test strip should be
kept to the minimum, which can be handled conveniently, preferably a triangle. Then, the indicator paper is dipped in distilled water using stainless steel tweezers. The excess water isremoved by blotting the strip on filter paper—the indicator
paper must be damp, not wet. This step limits the risk of water
stain formation on the object. The damp indicator paper is placed on the area to be tested (e.g.an iron gall ink line)—attention should be paid that one part covers the testing zone, while
the other part covers the blank paper. Then the test strip must becovered with a piece of inert plastic foil (Fig. 6 a) which is gently
pressed down on the support for 30 s, using a weight or just a finger (Fig. 6 b). During this period, soluble products (e.g. Fe(II)ions) migrate into the test paper. After 30 s, the indicator paper
should be removed from the object and placed on a white support like filter paper. The colour change is followed visuallyduring drying. The colour will intensify and be complete after
2-5 min. A magenta coloured complex is formed if iron(II) ionsare present. For indirect determination of iron(III) ions, the test
is modified: a drop of ascorbic acid (1 % w/w aqueous solution)
is applied on the indicator paper (Fig. 6 c). For interpretation of
the colour change, again, the indicator paper should be placedon a white support (filter paper). During drying, any iron(III)ions present, are reduced to iron(II) ions. The extra iron(II)ions produced will react with the indicator, leading to an intensification of the magenta colour (Fig. 7).
If a comparison between the direct iron(II) test and themodified iron(II) test is wanted, initially the test strip should be
cut larger. While the direct test is carried out on the whole test
strip, it is cut in the middle after the colour change (Vuori and
Tse in press). The modified iron(II) test is carried out just on one
half (Fig. 7 and 9 b). Both pieces are compared after the colour
has developed fully.

cDetermination of iron ions on surface test strip covers half the ink, half the blank paper (a); gently press down the Melinex using
a finger (b); a drop of ascorbic acid is added to the indicator paper (c).

Papier Restaurierung Vol. 6 (2005), No. 1

Bathophenanthroline Indicator Paper
Detection of Iron Ions on Surfaces during Treatment

Caution / Interference

In order to judge if a treatment has been successful or if it has tobe repeated, originals can be tested during treatment. The procedure is different from the surface determination on dry surfaces.
Needed equipment: Iron(II) indicator paper, pair of scissors(stainless steel), tweezers (stainless steel or plastic), blotting
paper (filter paper, ash free).
Procedure: A piece of indicator paper should be cut. The object
must be lifted a bit out of the treatment solution. The dry indicator paper is brought into contact with the testing area. Sometreatment solution is absorbed by the test strip (Fig. 8). In thisway, the risk of transferring the indicator onto the object is negligible. The indicator paper should be immediately removed
from the object and placed on a white support like filter paper.
The colour will intensify and be complete after 2-5 min. For
indirect determination of iron(III) ions, a drop of ascorbic acid
(1 % w/w aqueous solution) is applied on the indicator paper.
For interpretation of the colour change, the indicator paper
should be placed on a white support (filter paper). The modification of the test using ascorbic acid should not be carried out
for Ca-Phytate treatments, since the low pH of the ascorbic acidsolution destroys iron(III) phytate complexes, causing a misleading positive result.

Obviously, only stainless steel tools / equipment should be used
and any contact with iron and rust must be avoided. The test
strips should not come in contact with bare fingers. The indicator is soluble in organic solvents like ethanol, therefore any
contact with such solvents should be avoided. Interference of thereading is expected from water-soluble, coloured substances like
paper- or ink degradation products or coloured additives (e.g.
dyes like logwood) that could migrate to the indicator paper anddisturb the observation of the magenta colour. As the colourediron(II) bathophenanthroline complex is not soluble in water,these interfering substances can be removed by rinsing the strip
with distilled water.

Interpretation

Iron Gall Inks

Shelf Life

After four years, we discovered a slight yellowing of the test strips
and a decreased wettability. Anyway, testing the same iron-containing solution using old and new strips, the results proved tobe comparable. The function of the bathophenanthroline indicator paper can be conveniently checked by conducting the test
on a rusty nail or staple.
Fields of Application

If the indicator paper turns magenta, iron(II) ions are present
in the tested area. The intensity of the magenta colour formedon the indicator paper depends on several factors—some are
directly related to the testing area of the object, others to the test
method. Factors that are inherent to the testing area are (1) theconcentration of iron(II) ions present, (2) its pH, since higher
acidity causes more iron salts to dissolve (Fuori and Tse in press)
as well as (3) its wettability. For instance, foxing stains or tidelines have an increased wettability in comparison to the surrounding areas, causing more water to be present as solvent foriron ions. Factors that are inherent to the testing method areespecially (1) the amount of water applied, (2) the contact timeand (3) the contact pressure. Therefore, under non-standardised circumstances, a contact test cannot be used as a quantitative test.
It should be noticed, that the argumentation can not be reversed. A negative test result does not necessarily mean that noiron is present. It can also implicate that (1) iron ions were hindered to migrate into the test strip (for instance iron ions were‘trapped’ under a surface sizing film, or the binding media prevented a migration) or (2) iron-containing substances which
migrated into the test strip did not react with the indicator (forinstance some iron oxides might not react; Fuori and Tse in press).
7

Result ofthe direct
test (above), intesified after
adding ascorbic acid(below)

Papier Restaurierung Vol. 6 (2005), No. 1

The test is very useful for objects containing iron gall ink (Fig.
1 c). 126 inks on manuscripts from the possession of the Natio-

nal Archive (Den Haag, The Netherlands) and 60 drawing inks
on master drawings from the collection of the Teylers Museum(Haarlem, The Netherlands) dating between the 16th and the20th century, all of Dutch origin, were tested. Those tests showed
no correlation between the state of ink corrosion and the presence or absence of iron(II) ions (Reißland 2004). This is incontradiction to the fact, that iron has indeed a significant detrimental effect on the stability of cellulose (Strlic et al. 2003: 622).
Recently, Kolar et al. determined that papers show a strong
decrease in Degree of Polymerisation (DP) until an iron content
of 35 mmol g–1 is reached. Further increase in iron content did
not decrease the DP any further (Kolar et al. in press).

8

Determination of iron ions on surfaces during treatmentusing a dry indicator paper..

33

Johan G. Neevel, Birgit Reißland

Interestingly, 90 % of the manuscript inks tested positive foriron(II) ions. Adding ascorbic acid to the test strips even increased this number to 96 %. Therefore, the test is considered to be
indicative for the presence of iron ions in manuscript inks.
Testing the drawing inks showed that only 15 % tested positive
for the presence of iron(II) ions, while 70 % tested positive after
adding ascorbic acid. Since the identification of non-corroded
brown drawing inks remains still a problem, some selecteddrawing inks of good condition could have been based on noniron containing inks like bister or sepia. Interestingly, six very
corroded drawing inks did not test positive. Assuming, that theseobjects at least contained some iron ions, this could be an indication that the testing procedure was carried out more carefully(less water, lower pressure) for drawings than on manuscripts.
Metal Inclusions and Rust Stains

Inclusions of metal particles (Ø 0,5-1 mm) in five 17th and 18thcentury rag papers tested positive for iron(II) ions (Fig. 9 a). Also,rust stains can be tested for the presence of iron ions (Fig. 9 b).
Foxing and Brown Stains

Analysis by Hey (1988) proved that some foxing stains containhigh iron concentrations. Application of the iron(II) indicator
paper supported her results. Iron(II) ions were positively identified in several foxing stains in different 18th and 19th-century
rag papers. In the case of a contemporary art object, dating from1992, iron ions were detected in brown stains (Fig. 1 a) by applying the bathophenanthroline test strips. The stains occurred
some months after an oxidative bleaching treatment usinghydrogen peroxide. The presence of iron was confirmed by
SEM-EDX and XRD analysis (Ligterink et al. 2004).
Tidelines

A tideline on a 19th century lithography tested negative foriron(II) ions. However, when the indicator paper was dipped in
an ascorbic acid solution, a magenta colour developed, indicating the presence of soluble iron(III) salts in the tideline (Fig. 9 c).
Treatment Evaluation

Besides applying the iron(II) test on untreated objects, the test
can also be applied to follow the removal of soluble iron salts by
a conservation treatment and to decide whether the treatment
has to be repeated or not. Fig. 8 gives an example of application
during a treatment. Eusman (2002) applied the indicator paper
to compare the effects of different application techniques ofaqueous solutions on the migration behaviour and removal of

a
9

34

b

iron(II) ions from iron gall inks. He considered the test to be very
useful. Kolbe (1999) and Huhsmann (2000) used the preparedindicator papers to follow the iron(II) migration in originals
during artificial ageing and different aqueous treatments. They
also sprayed a 0.1 ethanolic solution of bathophenanthroline
directly on their samples.
A positive identification of iron (II) ions means the presenceof an intrinsic threat to an object. This has definite consequences in the choice of conservation treatments for the object. Research confirmed that a small amount of moisture is able to promote the migration of iron(II) ions in the porous paper support,
causing spreading of soluble iron and the degradation they
induce (Eusman 2002: 127-129). Therefore, all moisturisingtreatments have to be considered to be very hazardous to objects
that contain free iron(II) ions, when not combined with a treatment that completely removes or deactivates these ions (Reißland
2001). Iron(II) ions are water-soluble and can partly be removed by immersion, spraying on a suction table or local washingtechniques. In order to deactivate iron(II) and iron(III) ions,they can be complexed by phytate (Neevel 1995). This complexing agent has been proven to inhibit radical formation. The useof any oxidative bleaching agent strictly should be avoided, as
these enhance the oxidative degradation in the iron-containing
areas (Ligterink ewt al. 2004).
Conclusions

The Bathophenanthroline indicator paper for soluble iron(II)ions is a useful tool for the paper conservator to evaluate thecondition of objects, and to identify the objects at risk and therefore in need for removal of the catalytically active iron(II) ions.
The indicator paper can be applied directly to the area to betested without the danger of staining the original. In the presence of iron(II) ions, the indicator turns magenta. Becauseiron(III) ions can easily be reduced to iron(II) ions in paper,
they form a potential hazard to the original. By adding ascorbic
acid to the indicator paper, iron(III) ions can be indirectly
detected as well.
Apart from using the test to identify the presence of iron ionson surfaces, it can be used to follow the progress and efficacy ofvarious treatments to remove iron ions.
Acknowledgement
The Bathophenanthroline indicator paper has been developed for
its use in the field of conservation. During the development we
had contact to many paper conservators which generously shared
their experiences with us. The authors would like to thank ourcolleagues for the open discussions and their valuable advices.

c

Examples for testing the presence of iron(II) ions on paper: metal inclusion (a); rust stain (b); tideline (c).

Papier Restaurierung Vol. 6 (2005), No. 1

Bathophenanthroline Indicator Paper
We would especially like to thank Gesa Kolbe, Austria, Enke
Huhsmann, Germany, and our Dutch colleagues from the National Archives, Den Haag, The Teylers Museum, Haarlem, and the
University Library, Leiden. The authors also wish to thank Mr Hans
Dijk of the Dutch branch of Schleicher and Schuell for his mediation to have the test paper produced, as well as Mr Cliff Gothorpof the English firm Preservation Equipment Ltd. to have it marketed. In particular, we would like to acknowledge the thorough review of our article including very useful comments by Dr Season
Tse, Canadian Conservation Institute, and Ms Nancy Bell, The
National Archives, London.

Endnote* This contribution was held as a lecture during the Xth IADA Congress at Göttingen in September 2003 and is revised for print.

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Suppliers
Preservation Equipment Ltd, Vinces Rd, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4HQ,
United Kingdom, Tel. +44-1379-647400, Fax +44-1379-650582.
www.preservationequipment.com (Bathophenanthroline test
paper: Product referred to as ‘Iron Gall Ink Test Paper’, ProductCode 539-3000, package containing 100 strips 75 x 10 mm).

Authors
Johan Gerrit Neevel obtained his M.Sc.-degree in Analytical Chemistry and Physical Organic Chemistry at the University of Utrecht. He obtained his Ph.D.-degree at the Delft University ofTechnology on the photocatalytic fading of azo dyes on cellulosic
substrates. At the Royal Library in The Hague, he conducted adesk research into the mass conservation of books and archival
material. He also conducted research into the uv and light ratings,
caused by photocopying machines and electronic flashguns on
art objects for the former Central Research Laboratory for Objectsof Art and Science (CL) in Amsterdam. In 1993 he started at thisinstitute with the Iron-Gall Ink Corrosion Project, the developmentof an aqueous treatment for ink-corroded artefacts. This was continued in the new institute, the Netherlands Institute for Cultural
Heritage, formed in 1997 from a merge between the CL, theSchool of Conservation and the Netherlands Office for Fine Art.
Since 2002 he takes part in the European project InkCor, whichaims at the development of non-aqueous mass and single-item
treatments for ink corrosion. Other research topics are: the development of light-monitoring systems and the conservation ofphotographic materials.
Dr. Johan Gerrit Neevel, Netherlands Institute of Cultural Heritage, Conservation Research Department, Gabriel Metsustraat 8,1071 EA Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Tel. +31-20-3054-772,
Fax +31-20-3054-700, han.neevel@icn.nl
Birgit Reißland received her degree in paper conservation fromthe State Academy of Fine Arts, Stuttgart, in 1997. Since 1996
she has been involved in the Dutch Ink-Corrosion Project at theNetherlands Institute for Cultural Heritage (ICN) in Amsterdam
and received a full-time position as a conservation scientist there
in 2000. In 2002 ICN became partner in the European project„InkCor—Stabilisation of Iron Gall Ink Containing Paper“, where
she co-ordinated the part on the survey of ink components. In
2002 she started a PhD at the State Academy of Fine Arts, Stuttgart, focussing on the phenomenology of iron gall inks. She isweb-redactor of „The Iron Gall Ink Website“, which is hosted by
the European Commission of Preservation and Access (since1998) as well as editor-in-chief of the journal „PapierRestaurierung, Mitteilungen der IADA“ (since 2002). Since 1999 she is amember of the executive committee of the International Association of Book and Paper Conservators (IADA).
Dipl. Rest. Birgit Reißland, Netherlands Institute of Cultural Heritage, Conservation Research Department, Gabriel Metsustraat 8,1071 EA Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Tel. +31-20-3054-702,
Fax +31-20-3054-700, birgit.reissland@icn.nl

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