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Ink-Fixative Pretreatment

Definition

Application of a dilute reversible polymer solution (HPMC, Cellugel) to the surface of a still-wet document before drying, forming a gel film that mechanically traps water-soluble ink chromophores in position and prevents their migration as the water recedes.

Related terms

Cockling
The wavy planar distortion of a paper sheet caused by differential shrinkage between areas that dried at different rates, typically visible as...
Controlled Air Drying
Drying of a wet document flat on acid-free blotter at controlled temperature (18-20°C) and relative humidity (45-55%), separated from adjacent pages, with...
Freeze-Drying (Vacuum Lyophilisation)
A drying technique in which water is first frozen and then sublimed under reduced pressure (below 611 Pa), bypassing the liquid phase....
HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose)
A water-reversible cellulose ether polymer used in dilute aqueous solution as an ink fixative; applied by atomiser to wet document surfaces to...
Mould Remediation
The physical removal of established mould colonies from a document surface, typically by soft-bristle brush under HEPA-filtered vacuum; carried out when mould...
Multispectral Imaging
Photography or remote sensing in multiple wavelength bands beyond the visible spectrum, including near-infrared and short-wave infrared. Drone-mounted multispectral cameras are used...
Saponin Treatment
Application of a dilute aqueous saponin solution (a plant-derived surfactant) to a bloodstained document surface to reduce visible haemoglobin staining without significantly...
Sequential Examination Protocol
A formally agreed, documented inter-discipline sequence for examining a document that carries both handwriting or text evidence and biological evidence; the sequence...
Tideline
A concentrated deposit of dissolved ink chromophores, sizing agents, and mineral salts left at the advancing edge of a receding water front...

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