Abstract
Leather artefacts in historical collections and old leather bookbindings in archives and libraries frequently show a variety of visible changes which alter their appearance and ability to be used, such as powdery surface, weakened structure, complete or partial loss of the grain layer. However, historical leather stabilization and consolidation yet represent a challenging problem for conservators due to the sensitivity of collagen to the action of most of the conservation and restoration formulations currently used. In this paper we report our recent research concerning the development of halloysite nanoparticles dispersions for enhancing the hydrothermal stability of weakened historical vegetable tanned leather. The effects of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) dispersed in various aqueous and non-aqueous mediums on the thermal stability of collagen in historical leather were tested using thermal microscopy, thermogravimetry and micro differential scanning calorimetry. Unilateral nuclear magnetic resonance was used to evaluate the changes in water dynamics due to collagen matrix interaction with dispersion media. The treated samples were also characterized using infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The analytical assessment confirmed the leather thermal stability increase and a partial recovery of fibres cohesion, thus validating the use of HNT dispersions as a basic tool for the preservation of collagen-based materials. Further functionalisation and encapsulation using antimicrobials, fungicides and pH adjustment nanoparticles will deliver novel and more durable HNTs-based conservation treatments.
Highlights
IntroductionMan has used animal hides in its day by day life to protect himself against the hostile or extreme natural elements or other physical dangers by building shelters (e.g. tents, yurts) and producing footwear, garments and military accessories (e.g. cuirasses, shields, helmets, harnesses, etc.)
Man has used animal hides in its day by day life to protect himself against the hostile or extreme natural elements or other physical dangers by building shelters and producing footwear, garments and military accessories
Unilateral nuclear magnetic resonance was used to evaluate the changes in water dynamics due to collagen matrix interaction with dispersion media
Summary
Man has used animal hides in its day by day life to protect himself against the hostile or extreme natural elements or other physical dangers by building shelters (e.g. tents, yurts) and producing footwear, garments and military accessories (e.g. cuirasses, shields, helmets, harnesses, etc.). In the Middle Ages, the production of artistic objects (e.g. travel chests, jewelry boxes, luxury bookbindings) and furniture accessories (e.g. furniture cordovan leather, tooled, painted and gilt leather wall hangings) has grown to meet the aesthetic taste of the upper classes. Nowadays, such artistic, historical and archaeological objects are preserved in museums, libraries or archives and keep alive our history, culture and tradition. Keeping these objects in good condition is a struggle that demands continuous attention and cure from the conservation community. A survey of leather conservation practices conducted in 2008 highlighted that solvent set tissue
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