Nanostructured Emulsions as Smart Cleaning Materials for Removing Aged Polymer Coatings from Stone Substrates

Cleaning is one of the most important, essential, and delicate operation which has to be handled by conservators before applying new materials any substrates. In past decades, nanotechnology introduced concepts in conservation field, have been providing many advantageous performances, especially higher than older materials. As a result, already started use nanomaterials cleaning processes artifacts. Taking into consideration this approach, our study focused on using nano-structured emulsions (NSE) as smart for removing polymer coatings (e.g., acrylic polymers). For purpose, Paraloid B-72 was applied three different substrates (glass, Lecce stone, Arenaria stone) performed specific emulsion based an eco-friendly surfactant (EcoSurf) two organic solvents proportions. order better understand interaction with coating, plain EcoSurf water also used comparison. study, decay process considered deeply studied, because it directly affects effectiveness. Coated specimens were artificially aged examined techniques: chromatic variations contact angle measurements, optical microscopy, FTIR, SEM-EDS. This material characterization important colour, morphology, micro-structural difference, changes hydrophobic behaviour well chemical composition due ageing processes. After that, coated both unaged cleaned NSE according direct-contact procedure cellulose pulp method. Preliminary analyses suggested that nano-emulsion (i.e., NSE) induced complete removal polymer, despite method not recommended artifacts can hardly applicable real cases. On other hand, experimental results showed satisfactory stone obtained NSE/the system.