PROTECTIVE COATINGS BASED ON CATIONIC NANOCELLULOSES AND BLEACHED LIGNIN FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE CONSERVATION

• Grant number: 24/21304-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Camila Alves de Rezende
• Grantee: Felipe Ferreira Meneses
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/13253-6 - Nanocellulose and nanolignin application for the cleaning and conservation of cultural heritage objects, AP.R

Abstract

The conservation of cellulose-based artifacts with historical and cultural value is essential for safeguarding the vast knowledge embedded in these materials. The protection of these cultural assets is typically achieved through the application of synthetic polymers or copolymers dissolved in organic solvents. Recently introduced alternative coatings for these substrates are based on the use of multicomponent films made from nanocelluloses and nanolignins, derived from lignocellulosic biomasses such as sugarcane bagasse. Although this new approach is highly efficient and offers tangible improvements over conventional systems in terms of toxicity and environmental impact, it still presents limitations related to the color of lignin and the lack of studies regarding its resistance and protective action against microbial attacks. Lignin, used in the production of the coating, has very interesting physicochemical properties for this application, such as antioxidant activity and high UV absorption capacity. However, this biomacromolecule has a dark color, which limits its use in higher concentrations (typically above 3% by weight) in this application, as the visual appearance of a cultural artifact is of paramount importance. Another significant issue concerning these cellulose-based historical and cultural assets is microbial attack, such as fungi and bacteria, which cause various damages to the structure, appearance, and morphology of the material. Aiming to mitigate these issues and enhance the performance of nanocellulose and nanolignin-based coating films, this master's project seeks to utilize cationic nanocelluloses, which are endowed with bactericidal and antifungal properties, along with bleached lignins for the production of more colorless multicomponent films with antimicrobial properties for the protection of cellulose substrates. This project, which is part of the research activities of the UNICAMP research group (LaQuiMoBio) within the international consortium GREENART (GREen ENdeavor in Art ResToration), aims to contribute to the enhancement of material cultural heritage and promote positive impacts in both economic and environmental spheres by utilizing agro-industrial waste to produce high-value-added materials.