A Review of Applications of Nanocellulose to Preserve and Protect Cultural Heritage Wood, Paintings, and Historical Papers

Abstract

Due to several of their characteristics, such as their renewability, sustainability, and eco-friendliness, nanocellulose-based materials are arousing growing interest from researchers in various fields of study and applications. The purpose of this review article is to provide an overall view of the most recent applications of these innovative bio-nanomaterials in the field of cultural heritage. First, an introduction of the different classes of cellulose nanomaterials and their synthesis and characterization methods is presented. After that, many consolidation treatments based on nanocellulose structures for the recovery of degraded and archeological wood, the stabilization of damaged painting canvases, and the deacidification of historical papers are shown in order to underline the advanced potential of nanocellulose for the conservation of artistic heritage and the respect for the environment.

Nanocelluloses and Their Applications in Conservation and Restoration of Historical Documents

“…Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are typically produced through mechanical treatment which involves the disintegration of the cellulose fibers preserving some of the amorphous regions, thus contributing to form a network structure with nano-sized fibers and high specific surface area. Other interesting CNF characteristics are easy surface modification and functionalization, excellent mechanical properties and good thermal stability (Fornari et al, 2022;Kumar et al, 2021). CNFs are typically composed of long and flexible entangled particles with dimensions of up to more than 1,000 nm in length and 5 -100 nm in diameter.…”

Conservation and Protection Treatments for Cultural Heritage: Bibliometric Analysis, Novel Insights and Future Trends

“…Also, nanocellulose-based materials are arousing growing interest for the protection of cultural heritage. Fornari et al [63] reviewed the application of nanocellulose for the restoration of wood artifacts, paintings and ancient papers. As many collections of artistic patrimony are made of cellulose-based materials, interventions with these materials certainly gives better results compared to synthetic products, and, moreover, they do not alter the optic effect of artistic surfaces.…”

“…Recent advancements in conservation science offer promising alternatives to conventional treatments and innovative materials derived from nature have been introduced, such as chitosan [43], nano-cellulose [63], and oils [71,72]. These materials get closer to sustainability standards and exhibit better compatibility with historical substrates.…”

Characterization of Carboxymethylated Cellulose Nanofiber Made of Cotton Linter Fibers

“…1,2) 나노셀룰로오스는 화학적 처리를 통해 제조되는 셀룰로오스 나노크리스탈 (cellulose nanocrystal, CNC)과 기계적 처리를 통해 제 조되는 셀룰로오스 나노섬유(cellulose nanofiber, CNF) 로 구분된다. 3,4) 최근 나노셀룰로오스에 대한 관심이 증 가하면서 다양한 연구결과가 보고되고 있지만 5,6) hence, the former displayed higher low-shear viscosity and lower zeta-potential than the latter. As the degree of CM increased, the fiber width and zeta-potential of the CM-CNFs decreased and their low-shear viscosity increased linearly.…”