The state of degradation of paper is most reliably determined characterising cellulose macromolecules by their molar masses ( M r) and molar mass distributions (MMD) * This type of analysis requires a (micro)-sample of paper * In order to globally understand all aspects of paper deterioration it is essential to consider also the production of degradation compounds cleaved from cellulose (and from hemicelluloses and lignin) * These low-molar mass molecules are mainly aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, phenolic compounds and carbohydrates * Number of these are VOCs and can thus be analysed in gas phase using non-invasive techniques (no material sampling)
