Le potenzialità della nanocellulosa cristallina per il restauro dei dipinti su tela: utilizzo di un biopolimero per un intervento conservativo più sostenibile

Nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC) is an extremely versatile biopolymer with peculiar properties effective in improving the tensile strength of depolymerized cellulosic canvases, despite having very low impact on their appearance and hygroscopicity. The main purpose of the current PhD research is to address certain issues of critical relevance still poorly understood, such as the penetration into the substrate, the material’s adhesion to the canvas and the possibility to reduce the amount of water needed for application. These matters have a direct impact on the strengthening capabilities of CNC, furthermore they are related to its possible use on watersensitive artworks and affect its possible removability. The research will also take into account the use of CNC as a nanofiller for polymeric materials used as adhesives or for the production of gels. The reference data obtained will be useful to better define the potentialities of CNC for the conservation of cultural heritage.