Qualitative characteristics of cellulose from archaeological oak (Quercus sp) wood

The article compares changes taking place within the cellulose systems of four wooden archaeological objects differing with regard to the conditions and length of deposition in the natural environment. In order to characterise the changes concerning the analysed component, its percentage proportion as well as mean weight and number molecular mass, polydispersity and polymerisation degree were determined. On the basis of the obtained results, a significant impact was demonstrated of the deposition environment of wood on the condition of cellulose preservation. In addition, the authors demonstrated a correlation between the age of wood and cellulose polydispersity and degree of polymerisation.