Innovative Nanomaterials: Principles, Availability and Scopes

Abstract

The collaboration between scientists and conservators is fundamental for achieving reliable and durable results in the conservation of works of art. The contribution of scientists lies in the development of both advanced diagnostic techniques and cutting-edge materials for the restoration of artifacts. Colloid and materials science have provided over the last decades a palette of tools for the cleaning, consolidation and pH control of artistic and historical substrates. Nanostructured materials such as microemulsions, micellar solutions, dispersions of alkaline nanoparticles and chemical gels, can be used to effectively counteract the degradation processes without altering the physico-chemical properties of the treated works of art, and to minimize or completely avoid drawbacks. This chapter provides an overview of the principles and scopes that underlie the use of nanomaterials in conservation science, considering the advantages with respect to traditional restoration materials, and the availability of these innovative tools.

Single-Sided Portable NMR Investigation to Assess and Monitor Cleaning Action of PVA-Borax Hydrogel in Travertine and Lecce Stone

“…In recent years, the employment of PVA based hydrogels crosslinked with borax has been spreading in the field of cleaning of cultural heritage materials [ 38 ]. The success of these products is attributable to some of their intrinsic characteristics, in particular, (i) the atoxicity in their chemical composition and their being harmless towards the environment and human beings; (ii) their ability to incorporate organic solvents; and (iii) the ease of their application and removal procedures [ 29 , 38 , 39 ]. However, in the literature, there are only few papers investigating the effectiveness of PVA-hydrogels for cleaning rocks [ 5 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ].…”

“…The above concentrations allowed obtaining a stable product characterized by optical transparency and suitable mechanical properties for the application on different surfaces, as well as the possibility of its removal by a simple peeling. These latter aspects represent the benefits of gels and gel-like systems thanks to their high intrinsic elasticity, which allows their versatile adaptation to the sample shape, which maximizes the contact with the artistic surfaces [ 39 ] and permits an easy removal that does not leave any residuals [ 29 , 38 ].…”

Nanoplastics in Aquatic Environments: Impacts on Aquatic Species and Interactions with Environmental Factors and Pollutants

“…The small size of NPs, like that of other nanoparticles, considerably increases their surface-area-to-volume or mass ratios [33] (Figure 1). This can increase their reactivity with inorganic and organic compounds, including biomolecules and other contaminants [34,35] (Figure 1).…”

Controlling growth of phototrophic biofilms on limestone using CaZn2(OH)6·2H2O and ZnO nanoparticles

“…The use of nanoparticles (NPs) of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2 ) has been reported, which are highly compatible with limestone 24 . These nanomaterials have been used to conserve paintings from Mayan archeological sites as a consolidant and antimicrobial agent against bacteria and fungi 25,26 . Other inorganic nanomaterials reported as antibacterial and antifungal agents are metal oxides such as zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium oxide (TiO 2 ), calcium oxide (CaO) and magnesium oxide (MgO) 21,27‐29 …”