No abstract

We report on the characteristics of aluminium trihydrate filled poly(methyl methacrylate) composite (PMMA/ATH) coatings realised by plasma deposition at atmospheric pressure. For this purpose, PMMA/ATH powder was fed to a plasma jet where the process and carrier gas was compressed air. The deposited coatings were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and water contact angle measurements. Further, the raw material was characterised before deposition. It was found that, with respect to the raw material, aluminium was uncovered in the course of the plasma deposition process which can be explained by plasma-induced etching of the PMMA matrix. As a result, the wettability of plasma-deposited PMMA/ATH was significantly increased. Even though a uniform coating film could not be realised as ascertained by confocal laser scanning microscopy, the deposited coatings feature notably enhanced characteristics which could be advantageous for further processing.

Coating surfaces with a protective layer is a common method to protect artwork from deterioration. These layers consist often of organic substances such as acrylic resins. Due to weathering and ageing polymers usually suffer changes in optical properties and these organic coats also reduce the water‐permeability of porous systems which can cause an accelerated decay. Therefore, we need a method to remove organic matter without harming the substance. In the present study, cleaning procedures with different types of artificially soiled surfaces were carried out. Two different atmospheric pressure plasma jets that permit an economic application were investigated to get the optimal plasma parameters for cleaning.

No abstract

No abstract