Evaluation the Effectiveness of Pectin/Cellulose Nanocrystals Nanocomposite for Restoration and Conservation of Oil Painting on Paper Support

Alam Eldin, Yesmeen Mohamed; Helmi, Fatma; Hassan, Mohamed

doi:10.21608/ejchem.2025.335728.10780

Evaluation the Effectiveness of Pectin/Cellulose Nanocrystals Nanocomposite for Restoration and Conservation of Oil Painting on Paper Support

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Conservation department,faculty of archaeology, Cairo university

² Department of Conservation, Faculty of Archaeology, Cairo University, Giza

³ Cellulose and Paper Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza

10.21608/ejchem.2025.335728.10780

Abstract

Recently, more attention has been paid to the green conservation concept, which aims to use renewable and sustainable materials. Pectin (P) is one of the green polymers that can replace the synthetic ones which could have negative side effects on human health and the environment. However, the mechanical properties of pectin are not sufficient for use as a reinforcing polymer, especially for the restoration and conservation of paper artwork. In this study, pectin (P) loaded with 2.5% to 10% of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) was evaluated as a green reinforcing and protective coating for Fabriano paper used in oil painting. The tensile strength properties of films cast from P/CNCs were first evaluated. The tensile stress and Young’s modulus increased by ~ 108% and 182%, respectively, in the case of P/CNCs10% film as compared to the neat P film. Then, the P/CNCs mixtures were coated onto thermally aged plain and painted Fabriano paper supports to investigate their effectiveness in restoring the mechanical properties of the aged paper. The effect of further aging (second aging) on the aged paper samples coated with the P/CNCs was studied regarding the tensile strength properties, change in color and pH. The results revealed that the presence of CNCs restored the loss in mechanical properties of the aged Fabriano paper more than in the case of using neat P. In addition, the presence of CNCs in the P layer formed on the aged paper resulted in better conservation of tensile strength properties of the coated paper upon further thermal aging as compared to the neat P coating. Thermal aging resulted in a slight and similar decrease in the pH of the different samples. The total color change (E) due to thermal aging was slightly higher in the case of P/CNCs coating than that P coating; increasing CNCs ratio had an insignificant effect on the color change. The SEM images showed good surface coverage of the paper samples with thin and smooth films of P/CNCs and filling the gaps between the fibers at the surface. The prepared bio-nanocomposites would have applications as a new reinforcing and endurable coating for the conservation and restoration of the paper supports used in oil painting.

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