Light Emitting Diodes (LED) for Aqueous Light Bleaching of Paper

Abstract High performance daylight LED lamps are compared with HID lamps for light bleaching of paper. The LED can be placed in closer proximity to the object than the HID lamps, causing a significantly increased, uniform light exposure. Two commercial LED systems with 4000 K and 6500 K colour temperature were installed in a convertible test device with a polypropylene tray in default exposure distance of 10 cm and 20 cm. A HID lamp in 60 cm and 120 cm distance served as a reference. Samples of two naturally aged rag papers were bleached with both LED systems and with the HID while immersed in water. All three light sources increased brightness (CIELAB L*), though the LEDs with 4000 K colour temperature were most effective. They had no negative effect on the molar mass and the cellulose carbonyl group content while LEDs with 6500 K colour temperature caused molar mass decrease and carbonyl group increase. LEDs of a 4000 K or similar colour temperature are a promising option for improved light bleaching of paper, reducing the treatment and aqueous exposure time and eliminating UV radiation.