Some Experimental results of Papyrus physical properties

Papyrus plays a profound role in ancient Egyptian civilization. The invention of writing system required a flexible and movable material that may last as long as the included message existed. This research provides the results of experiments that carried out on modern Egyptian papyrus. The physical properties; density, color, shrinkage scale and brightness of recently harvested papyrus stems are studied. The factors that monitor these properties; such as, age, area of the strips, harvesting time, ...etc are also investigated. Papyrus mechanical properties; tensile for example introduced this material as a cultural permanent media valid for all purposes; writing, painting and stuffing (cartonage). This paper includes experimental data that answers the reasons why ancient papyrus are still remained preserved in good conditions up to the moment. Papyrus of April for instance gives the best appearance towards the color, brightness as well as mechanical properties when compared to January, February and March papyrus. These results were enhanced by the analytica