Re: How do I make newspaper clippings turn yellow ?

Dear Thomas,

I found the answer to your question on website called Howstuffworks.com
The direct link is:

Why do newspaper clippings turn yellow?

As you may know, paper is made from wood. In wood, there is a substance called lignin. Different types of paper have lignin content. When they manufacture the type of paper that we call "newspaper" it contains a lot more lignin in it than most paper. Normally, lignin is a dark colored substance but when it is exposed to air and/or sunlight it turns yellow. As the lignin is exposed to the oxygen in the air the lignin molecules begin to change and as a result will look darker. Even exposure to a few hours of sunlight and oxygen, newspaper will start to change color. In other words, take a copy of newspaper and leave it outside in the sun for a few hours, you will start the yellowing process =)

The link I posted above has a number of intersting sites on the subject if you are interested in learning more.

Have fun with science!

Elsa