Dissemin is shutting down on January 1st, 2025

Published in

MDPI, Gels, 7(9), p. 509, 2023

DOI: 10.3390/gels9070509

Links

Tools

Export citation

Search in Google Scholar

Ultrasound-Stimulated PVA Microbubbles as a Green and Handy Tool for the Cleaning of Cellulose-Based Materials

This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

Full text: Download

Green circle
Preprint: archiving allowed
Green circle
Postprint: archiving allowed
Green circle
Published version: archiving allowed
Data provided by SHERPA/RoMEO

Abstract

One of the main issues in the cultural heritage field of restoration chemistry is the identification of greener and more effective methods for the wet cleaning of paper artefacts, which serve as witnesses to human history and custodians of cultural values. In this context, we propose a biocompatible method to perform wet cleaning on paper based on the use of 1 MHz ultrasound in combination with water-dispersed polyvinyl alcohol microbubbles (PVAMBs), followed by dabbing with PVA-based hydrogel. This method can be applied to both old and new papers. FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, HPLC analysis, pH measurements and tensile tests were performed on paper samples, to assess the efficacy of the cleaning system. According to the results, ultrasound-activated PVAMB application allows for an efficient interaction with rough and porous cellulose paper profiles, promoting the removal of cellulose degradation byproducts, while the following hydrogel dabbing treatment guarantees the removal of cleaning materials residues. Moreover, the results also pointed out that after the treatment no thermal or mechanical damages had affected the paper. In conclusion, the readability of these kinds of artifacts can be improved without causing an alteration of their structural properties, while mitigating the risk of ink diffusion.