Recycled bacterial nanocellulose membranes as novel green gels for the cleaning of cultural heritage surfaces

Erica Sonaglia, Maria Paola Bracciale, Maria Laura Santarelli

Abstract

The removal of extraneous materials without changing artifacts original properties and appearance is a crucial aspect in the cleaning of cultural heritage. In this scenario, gels proved to be useful thanks to solvent retention and its controlled release on surfaces. In the past, synthetic polymer-derived gels attracted interest thanks to their good performance. However, in recent years, nanotechnologies and green chemical approaches have created great interest also in restoration and conservation applications. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the possibility to use bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) as a green gel material in cleaning operations. Recycled BNC, a by-product from the fermented beverage Kombucha, is used, which represents an innovative application. Purified by-products are investigated by means of different analytical techniques to characterize the chemical structure, crystallinity, microstructure, thermal behaviour, tensile behaviour, water retention capacity (WRC) and organic solvent retention capacity (OSRC). Materials show good mechanical behaviour, diffuse nanodimension and high WRC and OSRC. A selected BNC gel is used in tests on the removal of wax, one of the most widespread deposits of dirt on different surfaces. The experiment demonstrates cleaning efficiency for removing beeswax after one hour and a weak removal of microcrystalline wax, showing BNC s potentiality as a bio-based, bio-degradable and renewable gel.

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IMEKO-MetroArchaeo-2023-086.pdf

DOI

10.21014/tc4-ARC-2023.086

IMEKO TC

TC4 - Measurement of Electrical Quantities

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