Designation: D 3290 – 00

Standard Specification for

Bond and Ledger Papers for Permanent Records1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3290; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope D 1968 Terminology Relating to Paper and Paper Products3

1.1 This specification covers bond and ledger papers used in D 2176 Test Method for Folding Endurance of Paper by the
the preparation of records and documents that are expected to M.I.T. Tester3
have maximum, or substantial, life expectancy. D 3424 Test Methods for Evaluating the Lightfastness and
1.2 It has been shown (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)2 that life expectancy is Weatherability of Printed Matter4
at least an approximate function of the pH of an aqueous D 4714 Test Method for Determination of Effect of Moist
extract of the paper. Three pH levels, reflecting three levels of Heat (50 % Relative Humidity and 90°C) on Properties of
life expectancy, are specified. Paper and Board3
1.3 The following would be expected to contribute signifi- D 4988 Test Method for Determination of Calcium Carbon-
cantly to the life expectancy of books and documents: the use ate Content (Alkaline Reserve of Paper)3
of papers with controlled acidity, or of papers manufactured D 5625 Test Method for Measuring Length, Width, and
under neutral or alkaline conditions, especially papers with a Squareness of Sheeted Paper and Paper Products3
calcium carbonate filler that absorbs acidic gases from the D 5634 Guide for the Selection of Permanent and Durable
atmosphere and can neutralize acidic materials formed in the Offset and Book Papers3
aging of paper. 2.2 TAPPI Standards:
1.4 This specification is based on fiber sources used in the T 236 Kappa Number of Pulp5
production of paper that contains no more than 1 % lignin, for T 400 Sampling and Accepting a Single Lot of Paper,
papers used in archives, libraries, and other permanent records. Paperboard, Fiberboard, or Related Products5
However, under proper conditions, (see X1.5), paper contain- T 401 Fiber Analysis of Paper and Paperboard5
ing more than 1 % lignin may be employed for other end uses T 410 Grammage of Paper and Paperboard (Weight per Unit
in paper for records that are required to have a substantial life Area)5
expectancy. T 411 Thickness (Caliper) of Paper and Paperboard5
1.5 As indicated in Appendix X1.4 and X1.5, this specifi- T 412 Moisture in Paper5
cation may be used as a guide. T 414 Internal Tearing Resistance of Paper5
T 425 Opacity of Paper (15°/Diffuse Illuminant A)5
2. Referenced Documents T 452 Brightness of Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard (Direc-
2.1 ASTM Standards: tional Reflectance at 457 nm)5
D 585 Practice for Sampling and Accepting a Single Lot of T 509 Hydrogen Ion Concentration (pH) of Paper
Paper, Paperboard, Fiberboard, or Related Products3 Extracts—Cold Extraction Method5
D 589 Test Method for Opacity of Paper3 T 511 Folding Endurance of Paper (MIT Tester)5
D 644 Test Method for Moisture Content of Paper and T 544 Effect of Moist Heat on Properties of Paper and
Paperboard by Oven Drying3 Board5
D 646 Test Method for Grammage of Paper and Paperboard 2.3 ISO Standards:
(Weight per Unit Area)3 ISO 9706 Paper for Documents. Specifications for Perma-
D 1030 Test Method for Fiber Analysis of Paper and Paper- nence. Normative Annex—Special instructions for deter-
board3 mining kappa number.6
3. Terminology
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-6 on Paper 3.1 Definitions—Terms used in this specification are defined
and Paper Products and is the direct reponsibility of Subcommittee D06.20 on
Permanent Records Paper.
4
Current edition approved March 10, 2000. Published May 2000. Originally Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.02.
5
published as D 3290 – 74. Last previous edition D 3290 – 94. Available from The Technical Association of The Pulp and Paper Industry, P.O.
2
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of Box 105113, Atlanta, GA 30348.
6
this specification. Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street,
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.09. 13th Floor, New York, NY 10036.

Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 D 3290
in accordance with Terminology D 1968. 3.2.3.2 maximum life expectancy (LE-1000), n—for paper,
3.1.1 acid-sized paper, n—paper that has been manufac- the document is expected to be usable for 1000 years under
tured using a procedure or process at pH values below 7 prescribed conditions.
(usually 4.0 to 6.5) that results in paper that has resistance to 3.2.3.3 high life expectancy (LE-100), n—for paper, the
water penetration. document is expected to be usable for 100 years under
3.1.2 alkaline-filled paper, n—a paper containing an alka- prescribed conditions.
line filler, such as calcium carbonate having a pH value in 3.2.3.4 medium life expectancy (LE-50), n—for paper, the
excess of 7 (extract pH usually in the range from 7.5 to 10.0), document is expected to be usable for 50 years under pre-
and containing a reserve buffering capacity that can neutralize scribed conditions.
acidic materials in the paper or acidic gases sorbed from the 3.2.4 paper with a minimum pH value, n—as the life
atmosphere. expectancy of paper is an approximate function of pH, one
3.1.2.1 Discussion—Such a paper is alkaline (extract pH approach to describing a permanent paper is to specify a
usually in the range 7.5 to 10.0) and contains a reserve minimum pH value, for example, 5.5; this value can be
buffering capacity that can neutralize acidic gases sorbed from achieved with a rosin-alum sizing system.
the atmosphere, or from the paper during degradation. 3.2.5 permanence, n—of paper, the tendency to resist
3.1.3 alkaline-sized paper, n—paper that has been manufac- changes in any or all of its properties with the passage of time.
tured using a procedure or process at a pH value above 7 3.2.5.1 Discussion—It is expected that the terms maximum,
(usually 7.5 to 10.0) that results in a paper that has resistance high, and medium permanence eventually will be replaced with
to liquid penetration. maximum, high and medium life expectancy, or with the LE
3.1.4 base paper, n—the fiber network existent prior to the designations LE-1000, LE-100, LE-50.
application of any material onto the surface of that fiber 4. Significance and Use
network.
3.1.4.1 Discussion—An example is paper, internally sized 4.1 The only completely valid way to check the life expect-
in preparation for a coating or surface sizing operation. ancy of paper is to store it under the relevant conditions for the
3.1.5 bond paper, n—one of many grades of paper covering expected lifetime of the document, perhaps several hundred
a wide range of quality, from grades requiring superior years. As this is not feasible, one must rely on observations
performance, strength and durability to applications where made on historical documents, and on our current knowledge
permanence and durability are less important, but in all cases of factors, in terms of paper properties and paper composition,
requiring good printing properties, color fidelity, erasability that increases life expectancy. Accelerated aging also may be
and cleanliness. used.
4.2 In this specification, requirements are given in terms of
3.1.6 ledger paper, n—a paper characterized by strength,
the following:
high tearing resistance, erasability, water resistance, ink recep-
4.2.1 Physical tests to identify potential durability in ser-
tivity, uniformity of surface, and smoothness.
vice,
3.1.6.1 Discussion—Originally, ledger paper was used es-
4.2.2 Tests related to composition of the paper that are
pecially for pen and ink records. Most ledger papers are surface
indicative of stability,
sized, frequently subjected to appreciable wear, and must have
4.2.2.1 For maximum life expectancy, the presence of an
a high degree of permanence and durability.
alkaline filler, such as calcium carbonate, to serve as a
3.1.7 neutral sized paper, n—paper that has been manufac- buffering agent,
tured using a procedure or process at a pH value of 7 (with a 4.2.2.2 Fiber analysis, or a certificate from the supplier
normal range of 6.5 to 7.5) that results in a paper that has concerning fiber composition, and
resistance to water penetration. 4.2.2.3 A test for pH, within the limits described in 7.2.4.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: 4.3 Papers with neutral or alkaline pH without a calcium
3.2.1 durability, n—of paper, the capacity of paper or carbonate filler may, or may not, have the expected life
paperboard to resist the effects of wear in performance situa- expectancy. An acid paper may have been treated with a
tions. surface size containing enough calcium carbonate to give an
3.2.1.1 Discussion—Durability should not be used inter- alkaline extract pH. An acid paper may be coated with a
changeably with permanence. For example, paper money formulation containing calcium carbonate, although bond and
should be durable, but maximum permanence is not essential. ledger papers seldom are coated. In cases of uncertainty, the
3.2.2 high referral, adj—in paper, descriptive of any grade supplier should provide an affidavit concerning the extract pH
of paper designed for use in situations involving frequent of the base paper.
handling. 4.4 An optional accelerated aging procedure is described in
3.2.3 life expectancy (LE), n—for paper, length of time a X1.3.
product can be expected to maintain its functional (that is,
physical, chemical, appearance and so forth) characteristics 5. Classification—Types
when stored under prescribed conditions. 5.1 Three types of bond and ledger papers are described,
3.2.3.1 LE designation, n—for paper records, a rating in according to life expectancy level. These life expectancy levels
years for the life expectancy of paper, under prescribed are differentiated by pH and type of filler or sizing, or both. For
conditions, primarily for records. situations where the records will be handled frequently, the

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 D 3290
grade is described as “high referral.” A higher tearing resis- paper conforms to the limits set forth. The pH test is valid if the
tance is specified for this category, a folding endurance analyst can be ensured that the paper does not have an alkaline
requirement is optional, and the purchaser may wish to specify surface size or an alkaline coating. The accelerated aging
all or part cotton or linen. procedure, as described in X1.3 may be used as an indicator of
5.2 Type I, Maximum Life Expectancy, LE-1000—Neutral or stability.
alkaline sized paper made with a calcium carbonate filler, 7.3 Filler—Type I paper shall contain an alkaline filler such
which will give an extract pH usually in the range 7.5 to 10.0. as calcium carbonate. The minimum shall be 2 %, calculated as
5.2.1 Grade 1—Ordinary use. calcium carbonate and based on the oven-dry weight of the
5.2.2 Grade 2—High referral. finished paper. Test for the presence and amount of carbonate
5.3 Type II, High Life Expectancy, LE-100—Neutral or in accordance with Test Method D 4988.
alkaline sized paper with an extract pH usually in the range 6.5
to 7.5. 8. Physical Properties
5.3.1 Grade 1—Ordinary use.
5.3.2 Grade 2—High referral. 8.1 Grammage (Weight per Unit Area)— Use Test Method
5.4 Type III, Medium Life Expectancy, LE-50—Paper with a D 646 or TAPPI T 410. The average weight in grams per
minimum extract pH of 5.5 square metre shall be within the ranges from 57 to 63, 71 to 79,
5.4.1 Grade 1—Ordinary use. 85 to 95, and 114 to 126 as specified, but the variation of the
5.4.2 Grade 2—High referral. test unit averages within a shipment (or lot) shall be not more
than 5 % above or below the lot sample average value. These
6. Ordering Information groups of papers are the nominal 60, 75, 90, and 120 g/m2,
6.1 Orders shall specify type and grade, dimensions, color, respectively. The equivalent weights in pounds, (17 3 22 500)
and, if necessary, paper stock and printing requirements. are 16, 20, 24, and 32, respectively.
8.2 Thickness—Use TAPPI T 411. Thickness shall be ex-
7. Composition and Chemical Requirements pressed as micrometres (1 3 10−6 m) or as mils (1 3 10−3 in.).
7.1 Fiber Analysis (see Test Method D 1030)—The paper The average thickness normally will be within the ranges given
shall be made from cotton, linen, or fully bleached chemical in Table 1 for papers of different nominal weights. The
pulp. Virgin or recycled fiber may be used in any proportion as variation of test unit averages within a shipment (or lot) shall
agreed upon between the buyer and the seller at the time of be not more than 5 % above or below the average value.
purchase, as long as the paper meets the requirements of this Otherwise, thickness is as agreed upon between the buyer and
specification. The kappa number (from ISO 9706) shall not the seller.
exceed five. 8.3 Internal Tearing Resistance—Use TAPPI T 414. The
7.2 Hydrogen Ion Concentration (pH) Cold Extraction— average internal tearing resistance in each direction shall be not
See TAPPI T 509. less than that given in Table 1 for different weights of bond and
7.2.1 Type I, Maximum Life Expectancy, LE-1000—7.5 to ledger papers.
10.0.
8.4 Directional Reflectance (Brightness)—Use Test Method
7.2.2 Type II, High Life Expectancy, LE-100—6.5 to 7.5.
D 985 or TAPPI T 452. For white papers, the average bright-
7.2.3 Type III, Medium Life Expectancy, LE-50—Minimum
5.5. ness shall be not less than 75 %. Optical brighteners are not
7.2.4 Some papers may have been given an alkaline surface excluded, unless specifically stated at the time of purchase. The
size or an alkaline coating. The base paper of these papers may brightness requirement does not apply to colored papers.
be acid and of questionable stability, but would exhibit an 8.5 Opacity—Use Test Method D 589 or TAPPI T 425. The
alkaline extract pH. There is no known procedure for measur- minimum values of opacity for the several nominal weights per
ing the extract pH of the base paper of a paper to which an unit area are given in Table 1.
alkaline surface size or alkaline coating has been applied. The 8.6 Color—The paper shall be white or colored and the hue
manufacturer should furnish an affidavit that the pH of the base shall be as specified at the time of purchase.

TABLE 1 Requirements for Thickness, Internal Tearing Resistance, and Opacity for Bond and Ledger Papers
Thickness, Internal Tearing Resistance, min, g Opacity,
Nominal Weight per Unit Area, g/m2 (lb)A
µm (mil) Ordinary Use High Referral %

Bond
50 (13) 61 to 81 (2.4 to 3.2) 22 35 73
60 (16) 76 to 102 (3.0 to 4.0) 40 50 80
75 (20) 89 to 122 (3.5 to 4.8) 50 60 83
90 (24) 112 to 145 (4.4 to 5.7) 60 70 85
Ledger
90 (24) 97 to 132 (3.8 to 5.2) 60 70 85
105 (28) 114 to 152 (4.5 to 6.0) 75 90 87
120 (32) 132 to 173 (5.2 to 6.8) 90 110 90
135 (36) 140 to 178 (5.5 to 7.0) 100 130 92
A
lb = 17 3 22 500.

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 D 3290
9. Dimensions, Trim, and Grain 11. Sampling
9.1 Dimensions and Trim—The paper shall be furnished in 11.1 The paper shall be sampled in accordance with Practice
the size or sizes specified at the time of purchase. The paper D 585 or TAPPI T 400.
shall not be undersize, shall not be more than 1⁄16-in. (1.6-mm)
12. Inspection
oversize in either direction, and shall be trimmed square. If
squareness is especially important, tolerances shall be specified 12.1 Inspection of the paper shall be agreed upon between
by the purchaser. Dimensions and trim shall be measured by the purchaser and the seller as part of the purchase contract.
Test Method D 5625. 13. Certification
9.2 Grain—The paper shall be supplied grain long or grain
13.1 Upon request of the buyer, a manufacturer’s certifica-
short at the option of the seller, unless otherwise specified by
tion that the paper was manufactured and tested in accordance
the purchaser.
with this specification, together with a report of the test results,
10. Additional Requirements shall be furnished at the time of shipment.
13.2 Test results obtained by both the buyer and the seller
10.1 Sizing—The paper shall be internally sized and surface
shall be made available upon request to either party.
sized so that is shall be suitable for the intended purpose, as
13.3 As the extract pH of a paper would be influenced by an
indicated by the purchaser.
alkaline surface size, or by an alkaline coating, it is desirable to
10.2 Printing Properties—If the paper is to be used in a
request an affidavit from the manufacturer that the extract pH
printing process, a stipulation that the paper be suitable for this
of the base paper conforms to the limits specified in 7.2.
purpose shall be included in the requirements.
10.3 Erasing Quality—If erasing quality is of importance to 14. Packaging and Marking
the buyer, the testing of this characteristic shall be agreed upon 14.1 The paper shall be packaged in 500 or 1000-sheet
between the buyer and the seller. quantities. These shall be wrapped and securely sealed, or
10.3.1 Visible feathering shall not be apparent after the packaged in boxes or cartons, in order to provide adequate
paper has been written on with aqueous ink, erased, and written protection during shipment and storage. Each package shall be
on again in the erased area with aqueous ink. marked to show the type of paper, quantity, color, size, basis
10.4 Folding Endurance—Use Test Method D 2176 or weight (weight per unit area), and the name of the manufac-
TAPPI T 511. Folding endurance traditionally is considered to turer.
be a measure of the durability of paper, but opinion is divided. 14.2 Packaging in exterior containers for shipment shall be
Therefore, it is suggested that a folding endurance requirement, adequate to avoid damage during shipment and storage.
if specified, be a subject of negotiation between the buyer and
the seller. 15. Keywords
10.5 Lightfastness—If lightfastness is of concern to the 15.1 bond paper; ledger paper; life expectancy; maximum
purchaser, use Test Method D 3424, Procedures 3 and 7, as life expectancy; permanent bond paper; permanent ledger
agreed upon between the buyer and the seller. paper

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

X1.1 As there are many variables in the manufacture of probable life expectancy of these papers should lie somewhere
paper and in the use and storage of records, it is impossible to between the life expectancy of Type I and Type III papers.
place definitive values on the number of years that various X1.1.3 Type III Papers, Medium Life Expectancy, LE-50—
categories of records will endure. It has been established that The relative condition of paper in old books and documents has
the rates of both natural and accelerated aging are approximate been correlated with pH. Barrow (1) has shown that the
functions of the pH of the paper. The following information condition of naturally aged paper definitely is a function of pH.
may be used as guidance. Manifold papers in U.S. Government files with pH values as
low as 4.2 have survived over 60 years (5), and the physical
X1.1.1 Type I Papers, Maximum Life Expectancy, LE- properties of these papers are an approximate function of pH.
1000—Machine-made papers with an alkaline filler have A minimum pH of 5.5 should ensure longevity of 50 years or
existed, apparently with little change, for 100 years. Handmade more.
papers containing an alkaline filler have survived for almost
400 years (6). Acid papers have survived this long, but their X1.2 Papers containing cotton or linen, or both, are
condition is, comparatively speaking, not as good and is a considered to be more durable than wood pulp papers. As both
function of acidity. rag and wood pulp papers may cover a broad spectrum of life
X1.1.2 Type II Papers, High Life Expectancy, LE-100—The expectancy and durability, generalizations on the basis of fiber

4
 D 3290
content alone are not useful. Cotton linters are not as strong as papermaking technologies, including the use of alkaline sizing
cotton fiber. and alkaline fillers, may change the situation for some appli-
cations. Although yellowing occurs during light exposure and
X1.3 During the development of Guide D 5634, and during dark storage, laboratory data indicate that the strength proper-
the development of a National Information Standards Organi- ties of papers containing substantial quantities of lignin do not
zation (NISO) standard for permanent paper, about 60 papers change appreciably during accelerated aging in a moist atmo-
were aged for 12 days at 90°C and 50 % relative humidity (Test sphere.
Method D 4714, TAPPI T 544). The selection of percent
retention values after aging for various levels of life expect- X1.5.1 There are many other end uses where alkaline papers
ancy is subjective, but enough information is available to make with alkaline size and containing an alkaline filler and substan-
this approach attractive. The retention of tensile energy absorp- tial quantities of lignin, would be suitable for long-term use
tion, and of tearing strength, after aging for 12 days at 90°C and, for economic reasons, desirable. The user would decide
and 50 % relative humidity should be 90 % or higher for whether yellowing during light exposure or long-term storage,
maximum life expectancy, about 80 % or higher for high life or both, would be acceptable. These needs should be agreed
expectancy, and about 70 % or higher for medium life expect- upon between the buyer and the seller and written into
ancy. standards intended for the purpose.

X1.4 Paper may be procured on the basis of a standard X1.6 Appearance properties, such as color and reflectance
sample, on the basis of requirements other than those listed in (brightness, whiteness, etc.) that might be affected by light and
this specification, or one or more of the requirements may be by dark aging may be important to the user. The traditional use
waived. In order to obtain the degree of life expectancy of bleached chemical wood or cotton fiber has been recognized
required, it is very important that the pH requirements of this as a way to preserve appearance properties.
specification, or the aging requirement in X1.3, be met for the
X1.6.1 As fiber sources are less uniform than in the past, it
type and grade of paper purchased.
is desirable to measure the effect of light and dark storage on
X1.5 Historically, specifications for paper for permanent the appearance properties of paper.
records have limited fiber sources to those that would result in X1.6.2 Test Method D 3424, Procedures 3 and 7, may be
no more than 1 % lignin in the papers. The use of alkaline used for evaluating fading properties.

REFERENCES

(1) Barrow, W. J., Deterioration of Book Stock; Causes and Remedies, (4) Wilson, W. K. and Parks, E. J., “Comparison of Accelerated Aging of
The Virginia State Library, Richmond, VA, 1959. Book Papers in 1937 with 36 Years Natural Aging,” Restaurator, Vol
(2) Wilson, W. K., Harvey, J. L., Mandel, J., and Worksman, T. L., 4, 1980, pp. 1–55.
“Accelerated Aging of Record Papers Compared with Normal Aging,” (5) Dahl, S., “Evaluation of Condition of Manifold Papers in File,” NBS
TAPPI, Vol 38, No. 9, 1955, p. 543. Report 10429 , June 7, 1971.
(3) Van Royen, A. H., “Comparison of the Accelerated Aging of
Cellulose with Normal Aging at Room Temperature,” Association (6) Hanson, F. S., “Resistance of Paper to Natural Aging,” The Paper
Technique de L’Industrie Papetiere Bulletin , 1957, p. 223. Industry and Paper World, February 1939, pp. 1157–1163.

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