Study of morphological changes and natural degradation in agarwood (Acquilaria agallocha Roxb.) bark-based Sanchi manuscripts of Assam, North East India

No experimental study has been done so far on the natural degradation of the traditional Sanchi manuscripts made from the bark of agarwood (aloeswood, i.e. Acquilaria agallocha Roxb., locally known as Sanchi tree in Assam, North East India). In this study, SEM, FTIR, XRD and stress–strain test using UTM were carried out on lignocellulosic Sanchi manuscripts to determine cellulosic variations. Reduction of crystallinity index of cellulose, decrease in tensile strength and toughness indicated the natural degradation of Sanchi manuscript. The study reveals that the Sanchi manuscripts are highly vulnerable to natural degradation, and therefore need scientific techniques and treatments to prolong lignocellulosic changes