Nanocellulose-Based Films for Surface Protection of Wooden Artefacts

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Conservation Science
• Wood Science

Background:

• Wooden artefacts are susceptible to surface fissuring and degradation from environmental factors.
• Nanocellulose films (CNPs) offer potential for conservation but require property modification.
• Existing conservation methods may not adequately address complex surface damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the properties of nanocellulose films for use as protective patches on damaged wooden artefacts.
• To evaluate the effects of glycerol plasticisation and silane functionalisation on nanocellulose film properties.
• To determine the suitability of modified nanocellulose films for wood conservation applications.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of pure cellulose nanopapers (CNPs).
• Functionalisation of CNPs with (3-Glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane and Methyltrimethoxysilane.
• Plasticisation of CNPs with glycerol.
• Assessment of film properties including structure, moisture content, mould resistance, flexibility, and surface characteristics.

Main Results:

• Pure CNPs were brittle, stiff, and wavy.
• Silane functionalisation increased packing density, reduced moisture content (87-96%), and slightly improved mould resistance.
• Glycerol plasticisation enhanced flexibility, fracture resistance, smoothness, but increased hygroscopicity and mould vulnerability.
• Modified CNPs demonstrated good adhesion and colour-matching potential with common wood finishes.

Conclusions:

• Cellulose nanopapers modified with silanes and plasticised with glycerol show potential as protective patches for fissured wooden artefacts.
• These modified films can mitigate further degradation caused by external conditions.
• The combination of silane functionalisation and glycerol plasticisation offers a tailored approach to enhancing nanocellulose film performance for conservation.