The cause of book page curling
This may be due to students frequently rubbing their elbows against the book corners while flipping through the pages, causing the corners to lift. Over time, the curled edges increase, gradually becoming more pronounced. Additionally, the left side of the book is generally firmer and less prone to deformation, while the right corners are the most susceptible to force, easily lifting when subjected to pressure or mishandling.
The presence of sweat on hands while flipping through books may lead to the corners getting damp, exacerbating the tendency to curl. Since most people grip the corners of the pages while reading, sweat and sebum from their hands leave traces on the corners, accumulating over time and contaminating the pages, resulting in natural wrinkles.
On the other hand, paper possesses absorbent qualities. When the air humidity increases, the paper fibers absorb water through capillary action, causing the paper to warp. Conversely, in dry air, the paper loses moisture, and the fiber structure becomes disordered, no longer maintaining a flat appearance. In the humid climate of the southern regions, paper is more prone to absorbing moisture, leading to the phenomenon of curling corners.
Solution to flatten curled book pages?
As for solutions to the curled corners of books, I want to share a method I learned from my mom: using a hair straightener to flatten the book corners. Another simpler and more economical method is to use a cup of hot water to press on the corners, then sprinkle water on the pages, similar to ironing clothes. This helps restore the original fiber structure of the paper and flatten the book corners.
To prevent this from happening, it’s advisable not to casually toss books around after reading. It’s better to place them back in their original position or on a flat table. If a book gets damp, avoid direct exposure to sunlight; instead, store it in a cool place with a heavy object pressing on it.
In summary, the curling of book corners is primarily related to the nature, quality, placement environment, and time of the paper used in the books. Proper maintenance and attention to moisture can extend the lifespan of books. There’s a saying that books naturally show signs of wear and tear with increased usage, and the amount of reading can be gauged by the condition of the book corners.”
