Abstract
This paper aims at assessing the use of nanomaterials in painting conservation and in cleaning practices that could be alternative to the traditional ones to overcome the limits of new green materials. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles have been spread and studied on historical painting surfaces with good results. In particular, the properties of TiO2 nanoparticles have been considered useful for self-cleaning and protective purposes against the accumulation of dirt and dust that represents the first phase in deterioration of historical painting surfaces. TiO2 nanoparticles, prepared in distilled water by Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquids, were applied on painting mock-ups realized in the laboratory according to old recipes and using historical binders and pigments. The surface characteristics of the painting were investigated by contact angle measurement and by Atomic Force Microscopy. The optical and aesthetical compatibility of the colloidal dispersions with the painting was assessed by spectrophotometry, and then the cleaning efficiency was evaluated by discoloration of a dye under ultraviolet irradiation, at fixed time intervals, using colorimetric technique. Because of the high reactivity of nanoparticles, the possibility of degrading the painting surface, together with the chromatic marker, was examined by colorimetric measurements. The evaluation of the color changes is important for all the materials belonging to cultural heritage, especially painting, for which the color modification induced by protective and/or cleaning interventions could irremediably compromise the work of art.
Highlights
The contact angles changed to values lower than 90◦ for both tempera and linseed oil, showing a hydrophilic behavior of the treated surface with titanium dioxide nanoparticles
The hydrophilicity agrees with the literature data about the use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on other materials belonging to cultural heritage [41]
This should not be a problem in the indoor environment, and, for this reason, the application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles should be suitable for painting surfaces
Summary
Conservation science is one of the most complex topics in materials science, as it requires interdisciplinary expertise, especially for easel paintings, which are still today among the greatest challenges in conservation and restoration of cultural heritage. This is due to their composite and heterogeneous structure, constituted by both organic and inorganic materials and built up from canvas and/or wood, ground, paint, and varnish layers. Treating materials of this complexity requires skills acquired through extensive training and practical experience, especially in the cleaning intervention. Considering all methods, cleaning represents an irreversible treatment, and for this reason, it would be better to adopt certain measures that can prevent or slow down the accumulation of dirt and dust that represents the first phase in deterioration of the painting surface [1,2]
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