Abstract
Surface decontamination is of general concern in many technical fields including optics, electronics, medical environments, as well as art conservation. In this respect, we developed thin copolymer networks covalently bonded to flexible polyethylene (PE) sheets for hydrogel-based cleaning of varnished paintings. The syntheses of acrylates and methacrylates of the surfactants Triton X-100, Brij 35, and Ecosurf EH-3 or EH-9 and their incorporation into copolymers with acrylamide (PAM) and N-(4-benzoylphenyl)acrylamide are reported. Photocrosslinked polymer networks were prepared from these copolymers on corona-treated PE sheets, which can be swollen with aqueous solution to form hydrogel layers. The cleaning efficacy of these PE-PAM hydrogel systems, when swollen with appropriate cleaning solutions, was evaluated on painting surfaces in dependence of the PAM copolymer composition and degree of crosslinking. Specifically, soil and varnish removal and varnish surface solubilization were assessed on mock-ups as well as on paintings, indicating that even surfactant-free cleaning solutions were effective.
Highlights
The efficient decontamination of surfaces aiming at the removal of small molecular species and particulate contaminants is of critical concern in diverse industries and routine procedures
These PE-supported polyacrylamide (PE-PAM) networks are immersed in aqueous solutions to form the active hydrogel film prior to contact with the painting surface
The PE-PAMB60 system primed with 75 %wt IMS solution provided the most selective surface solubilization of the varnish with only a minute change in fluorescence
Summary
The efficient decontamination of surfaces aiming at the removal of small molecular species and particulate contaminants is of critical concern in diverse industries and routine procedures. Since the 1980s, diverse pastes and gel systems [10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17] composed of polymers and customized solutions have been employed for art conservation [18]. These liquids are typically comprised of organic solvents [19], aqueous solutions, and microemulsions blended with various reagents [9] and nanomaterials, typically stabilized by surfactants [20].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
