Functional coatings with ethyl cellulose-calcium carbonate alkaline nanoparticles for deacidification and mechanical reinforcement of paper artifacts

Matej Bračič · Jasna Malešič · Mihael Brunčko · Doris Bračič · Alenka Ojstršek · Tea Kapun +3 more

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Conservation Techniques and Studies Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis Building materials and conservation

Abstract

Paper artifacts susceptible to acid hydrolysis and mechanical stress require effective conservation methods to ensure their longevity. In this study, a novel approach for the deacidification of acidic paper using calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) [ 1 , 2 ]-ethylcellulose nanoparticles (CaCO 3 -EC NPs) dispersed in a non-aqueous ethyl acetate solution is presented. The dispersions were carefully prepared and applied to model acidic paper samples using a dipcoating method and then analyzed for their effectiveness. Transmission electron microscopy showed the formation of agglomerates containing quadrangular alkaline nanoparticles with diameters of 40 to 100 nm and a total agglomerate size of 250 nm. Hydrodynamic analyzes indicate the presence of a swollen ethyl cellulose coating on these agglomerates, which facilitates their dispersion. The results show the effectiveness of the CaCO 3 -EC NPs system in neutralizing acidic components (change of paper pH from 4.3 to 7) due to the homogeneous distribution within the paper substrates, effectively arresting the degradation processes. Acid-base titration showed a linear correlation between the concentration of alkaline nanoparticles and the alkaline reserve, emphasizing the role of ethylcellulose in facilitating particle transport within the paper matrix. In addition, ethylcellulose was found to improve the mechanical properties of the treated paper, as demonstrated by the standard mechanical tests. Importantly, the optical properties remained unchanged after treatment, as no adverse changes in color were observed. These results underline the effectiveness of the developed deacidification dispersions for the treatment of acidic paper and potentially other cellulose-based cultural heritage documents prone to acidic degradation. This approach offers promising implications for preserving and restoring valuable historical materials.

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References

2011Paper aging and degradation: Recent findings and research methods 2002Nanotechnologies for Conservation of Cultural Heritage: Paper and Canvas Deacidification 2010Deacidification for the conservation and preservation of paper-based works: A review 2015Paper conservation methods: a literature review 2013Colloid and Materials Science for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage: Cleaning, Consolidation, and Deacidification 2010Hydroxide Nanoparticles for Deacidification and Concomitant Inhibition of Iron-Gall Ink Corrosion of Paper 2016Paper conservation methods: An international survey 2019Nano calcium carbonate versus nano calcium hydroxide in alcohols as a deacidification medium for lignocellulosic paper

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