Nanomaterials for conservation / preservation of cultural heritage

Abstract

In the last years the issue of conservation and preservation of cultural heritage has gained high interest both in scientific research and in the restoration of various monuments from universal heritage. The aim of this paper is the presentation of hydroxyapatite as a non-toxic and environmentally friendly nanomaterial that could be involved in the conservation of heritage monuments (chalk, marble or travertine), and the results obtained after applying it on these surfaces. Some scientific analytical investigations are used to detect the changes in the structure and colour of the surfaces where it had been applied. These nanostructured products for cultural heritage preservation highlight increased performances without changing the substrate color.