A Survey on Applications of Nanomaterials for Conservation of Artworks

Artworks and historical monuments are often subjected to various damages and deteriorations, according to their age. Damages on artworks or repaired artworks may be provoked by human (vandalism) or by environmental factors such as humidity and light (UV). Nanotechnology provides new methods and innovative ways for the preservation of historical monuments. One of these methods is the preparation of more efficient nanomaterials with smaller particle size, and applying a thin layer coating of materials by different processes such as sol-gel method. In the current study, coating by a variety of conventional polymers is discussed with respect to their protective characteristics of historical monuments in addition to different assessment methods on their protection mechanisms. This study is extended to the important role of organosilicons for preparation of silica nanoparticles and latter protection capacity on coating properties. Another important category of polymers which may provide protective coatings for historical artworks are acrylic polymers. By considering the increasing importance of organic-inorganic hybrids in protection mechanism, some discussions are focused on such hybrids as nanocomposite coatings. The hybrids can be coated on different substrates to impart different properties such as hydrophobicity and anti-graffiti properties. In addition to the use of nanomaterials in conventional polymer coatings for protection and restoration of historical monuments, this paper further explains the preparation of nanomaterials for their usefulness in consolidating wall paintings, removal of aged polymers from historical monuments and enhancing cellulosic paper stability against fungal growth.