Assessment of the applicability and performance of nanocellulose-based hydrogels for the surface cleaning of artworks

• Grant number: 24/06519-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Master's degree
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: February 28, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Camila Alves de Rezende
• Grantee: Isabella de Arandas Silva
• Supervisor: Piero Baglioni
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Università degli Studi di Firenze, Italy
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/14838-8 - Nanocellulose-based hydrogels for cleaning surfaces of artworks, BP.MS

Abstract

Cleaning steps are crucial to guarantee the conservation of cultural heritage objects. Gels with pores in micro and nanoscale combined with cleaning fluids have been applied as a solution for a more controlled and selective cleaning, as conventional protocols for removing dirt risk to affect the original components of the artwork and the health of the restorer. The host institution of this project, CSGI (Center for Colloid and Surface Science) at UniFI and UNICAMP are partners of an international research consortium, named GREENART (GREen ENdeavor in Art Restoration), which aims to develop sustainable solutions for cultural heritage conservation. Within the GREENART framework, both institutions have been working on the development of green gels and cleaning fluids for art applications. In this context, the first objective of this project is to evaluate the performance of the gels developed in Brazil (based on nanocellulose and bio-sourced polymers, such as gelatin) in cleaning assays with painting mock-ups. The cleaning efficiency will be evaluated using advanced techniques such as 2D micro-FTIR mapping. The second objective is to introduce nanocellulose (CNC and/or CNF) into PVA cryogels, which are already used for cleaning applications at CSGI, to improve mechanical properties and enhance the eco-friendliness of the material. The characterization of morphology, mechanical properties, and water-retentive capacity will be used to compare the gels produced with the commercial PVA gels.