Evaluation the use of nano metal oxides as potential self cleaning agents for stained archeological textiles

Abstract

Nano-sized TiO2 and ZnO have demonstrated efficiency in many application fields due to their photocatalytic features that provide self cleaning properties to the materials with simple and non-expensive procedures. Recently, nano TiO2 and nano ZnO started to be embedded in the archeological field of stones and wood, while there is a lack of information about using in ancient textile artifacts. So this work aimed to investigate the effectiveness of both TiO2 and ZnO as potential self cleaning agents for three different types of stains (pomegranate extract, linseed oil and pencilium fungi stains) applied on linen fabric samples. Two groups of the satins, i.e. old s and new occurring stains were applied on the fabric samples and studied under the effect of either nano TiO2 or nano ZnO. The prepared stained samples were characterized using FTIR-ATR, static contact angle calculation and photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic behavior of the treated samples was investigated through measuring the color parameters (L, a & b) according to CIELAB. Photocatalytic performance was judged by assessing the color difference of the tested samples after each treatment. The results revealed that the best behavior in terms of hydrophobicity and self-cleaning properties were shown by the nano ZnO treated stained samples.