This book presents novel applications of nanotechnology for the preservation of artistic and historical artifacts. It explains the scientific principles behind numerous nanomaterials and discusses their applications to different types of common movable and fixed artistic substrates. It starts with an overview of the nano-tools developed over the last three decades, such as dispersions of nanoparticles, micellar solutions, microemulsions and gels. Compared to traditional methods, these new tools have the benefit of considerably less impact on both the operators and the environment. Each chapter is dedicated to a specific type of cultural heritage material (wall and easel paintings, stone, paper, canvas and wood) starting with the main degradation paths and discussing protocols for the application of innovative nanomaterials-based tools for cleaning, consolidation, or deacidification, which represent the majority of the case studies encountered in restoration facilities, workshops and ateliers. The book provides step-by-step descriptions that are meant to support conservators in the application of these novel materials and methods. The aim of the book is to equip end-users and conservators with essential information and knowledge on the availability and applicability of different nano-materials and dispersed systems. While the book’s focus is on the practical aspects, interested readers will also find references to the relevant advanced colloid and material science literature. Main audience: Expert conservators, restorers and technical staff at conservation institutes and museums, students at conservation and restoration schools, and scientists who are new to the field of conservation of artistic and historical artifacts.

Understanding the chemistry behind works of art and heritage materials presents an opportunity to apply scientific techniques to their conservation and restoration. Manipulation of materials at the nanoscale affords greater accuracy and minimal disturbance to the original work, while efficiently combating the affects of time and environment. This book meets the growing demand for an all-encompassing handbook to instruct on the use of today's science on mankind's cultural heritage. The editors have pioneered modern techniques in art conservation over the last four decades, and have brought together expertise from across the globe. Each chapter presents the theoretical background to the topic in question, followed by practical information on its application and relevant case studies. Introductory chapters present the science behind the physical composition of art materials. Four chapters explore various cleaning techniques now, followed by four chapters describing the application of inorganic nanomaterials. Each chapter is fully referenced to the primary literature and offers suggestions for further reading. Professional conservators and scientists alike will find this essential reading, as will postgraduate students in the fields of materials and colloid science, art restoration and nanoscience.

Nanotechnologies and Nanomaterials for Diagnostic, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage explores how advanced nanoscale techniques can help preserve artworks. The book covers lab-scale available techniques as well as advanced methods from neutron sources and X-ray spectroscopy. Other sections highlight a variety of nanomaterials with potential uses in treatments for restoration and conservation, with conservation, consolidation and long-term protection protocols analyzed in each case. The final chapter presents case studies, demonstrates how nanoscale techniques are used to conserve art, and shows what happens when misinterpretation of data sources leads to misdiagnosis. The book is intended for scientists from academic and professional conservators, restorers who are involved in the conservation of artistic and historical artifacts, and those who want to learn how nanotechnology can increase the efficiency of conservation and protection techniques. Cogently explains how nanotechnology is used in the preservation, protection and restoration of artworks Explores the best nanomaterials for a variety of situations Shows how nanomaterials can be used in restoration, for cleaning and in conservation treatments Includes guidelines to prevent the misinterpretation of diagnostic data to help avoid misdiagnosis

This book aims to give state of the art in several domains of cultural heritage in which Nanosciences allow fundamental breakthrough. The first part of the book concerns nanostructured materials in ancient artifacts. Understanding their nature and formation processes bring new insight in the apprehension of technical level of ancient societies but can also inspire the design of new materials. The second part is dedicated to the understanding of materials. This crucial issue in material science today, for cultural heritage, needs to perform specific characterization techniques and technologies, but also to create tailored analytical strategies. Part three presents new methods, processes and materials at nano levels that can bring innovative solutions to conservation and restoration issues, linked with the understanding of the alteration processes involved at different scales.

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This chapter aims to evaluate the nanomaterials that can be used to diagnostic, conservation and restoration of different artifacts and monuments and that can contribute to solving the problems which could appear during weathering processes of them. The nanotechnology, as a new and revolutionary area in science, can improve the traditional methods currently used for restoration and preservation in cultural heritage and can contribute to the creation of new highly specialized methods for diagnostic and treatment of different artifacts or even monuments. With a smaller size, a higher penetrability, viscosity, thermal and magnetic properties, in comparison with the traditional materials, the nanomaterials can contribute to solve the problems deriving from specific phenomena that could appear during the intervention and to identify the potential newly formed products in the treated materials. In this chapter, some aspects about the nanomaterials used for conservation and restoration of stone and paper artifacts are evidenced and discussed.

The conservation and protection of buildings that constitute our cultural heritage are complex tasks calling for a comprehensive knowledge of the historical background of the buildings, as well as the construction technologies and materials used. Nanomaterials in Architecture and Art Conservation gives a comprehensive overview of the state of the art of using nanomaterials in conservation sciences, mainly for stone, mortar and plaster strengthening, but also for the consolidation of wall paintings. The book compiles and details deterioration mechanisms of stone and historical mortars, as well as methods of characterising and testing consolidation effects. The non- or semi-destructive characterisation methods that will be presented allow additional measurements to characterise objects before and after any interventions. Besides, general aspects of inorganic consolidants are targeted. The focus, in particular, is the application of nanolime as a new consolidation agent. Basic characteristics and application advices as well as beneficial combinations with other consolidation agents, such as silicic acid esters, are emphasised. What makes this book so special is the large number of practical applications described from the viewpoint of different restorers, offering a direct inside view of the procedure for the conservation of historical monuments. Restorers dealing with stone, mortar and plaster conservation; artists; advanced undergraduate- and graduate-level students of conservation science, art and nanotechnology; offices for the protection of monuments and heritage agencies; and researchers in materials science, conservation, nanotechnology and chemistry, especially those with an interest in applied sciences, will find this book a great reference.