Jin Shofu Starch Nanoparticles for the Consolidation of Modern Paintings

Matte, porous, and weakly bound paint layers, typically found in modern/contemporary art, represent an unsolved conservation challenge. Current practice relies on synthetic or natural adhesives that can alter dramatically the optical properties of paints. Alternatively, we propose a novel nanostructured consolidant based starch, renewable polymer. We synthesized starch nanoparticles (SNPs) to boost their penetration into porous painted layers; upon solvent evaporation, particles were expected adhere pigments thanks large surface area abundant -OH groups. The SNPs formulated through bottom-up approach, where gluten-removed Jin Shofu wheat was gelatinized then precipitated nonsolvent. low gelatinization temperature is likely key favor disassembly alkali reassembly synthesis conditions be tuned obtain amorphous ca. 50 nm with acceptable polydispersity. swell water form nanosized gel-like fractal domains (as observed cryogenic electron microscopy), formed by organization smaller units polymer-rich -deficient regions. Aqueous hydroalcoholic particles’ dispersions assessed aged ultramarine blue mock-ups mimic degraded consolidation effectiveness evaluated specifically designed in-house protocol: distribute across section strongly increase pigments’ cohesion while preserving original layer, as opposed bulk simply accumulate surface, forming superficial glossy films. SNPS proved new promising tool for weakened paintings, opening perspectives formulation application consolidants modern contemporary art.