Accelerated aging of cellulose by laser irradiation. [Development for Shroud of Turin]

We describe a new technique for studying thermally-induced chemical transformations in cellulose developed for the Shroud of Turin. The apparatus consists of a carbon dioxide laser for heating, an infrared thermometer, and an optical reflectance spectrometer for tracking the progressive discoloration of the sample. To illustrate the technique, we present measurements from a single piece of sample linen along five isotherms in the range 200-290/degree/C. The results are explained in terms of first-order chemical rate theory and a four-step model. From the measurements we derive the activation energies, Arrhenius constants, and reflectivities of the chromophoric states. 4 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab