The Science of Scrapbooking: What is Acid-free, Lignin-free, Buffering and Colorfast?

We hear the terms "acid-free" and "lignin-free" when we shop for scrapbook paper and supplies, but do we really understand what the terms mean? Do we understand the true science behind scrapbooking? I recently found a terrific glossary of paper related terms in the Utrecht Art Supply Catalog and did some additional research so I could understand all about the physical contents of scrapbooking paper and supplies. Are you ready for a science lesson?

Let me share what I've learned.

pH - In chemistry, pH is a measure of the concentrations of hydrogen ions in a solutions, which is a measure of acidity or alkalinity. The pH scale runs from 0 to 14 and each number indicates a ten-fold increase. 7 is pH neutral; numbers below 7 indicate increasing acidity, with 1 being most acidic. Numbers above 7 indicate increasing alkalinity with 14 being the most alkaline. Paper with a pH below 5 is considered highly acidic (the acid in your fingertips registers at 5.5 on the pH scale). Buffered papers typically have a pH between 8.5 and 9.5.

Acid-Free (Neutral pH) - Products that are without acid in the manufacturing process. Acid free paper has a pH of 7.0. The higher the number on the pH scale, the less acidic the product.

Lignin - A chemical component that is most commonly derived from wood and the cell walls of plants. Lignin contributes to the strength and rigidity of the entire plant and offers a great benefit in the woodworking industry because its durability, but its presence in paper is believed to contribute to chemical degradation. To a large extent, Lignin can be removed during manufacture but the process is lengthy and costly. (source: wikipedia)

Buffering - The neutralizing of acids in paper by adding an alkaline substance (usually calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate) into the paper pulp. The buffer acts as a protection from the acid in the paper or from pollution in the environment. (source: www.artpaper.com)