How Do We Save Ancient Textiles? Science to the Rescue!

Have you ever wondered how ancient textiles used in artworks are preserved? A new study tested two special products, Bookkeeper® and Nanorestore®, to see which one works best. These products help neutralize the acidity in fabrics that degrade over time. Scientists used cotton, linen, and jute, artificially aged them, and then applied the treatments. They measured pH, color changes, and fabric structure with powerful microscopes. The results? Both products work, but the choice depends on the type of fabric. An important discovery for saving our artistic treasures!

The study used a rigorous experimental approach to evaluate the effectiveness of deacidifying treatments on different types of fabrics. Samples of cotton, linen, and jute were subjected to an artificial degradation process to simulate natural aging. They were then treated with Bookkeeper®, containing magnesium oxide, and Nanorestore®, a dispersion of calcium hydroxide in alcoholic solutions of ethanol and 2-propanol. After applying the treatments, the fabrics underwent an accelerated aging cycle. During the experiment, several parameters were monitored, including surface pH, color changes measured with colorimetric instruments, and morphological transformations analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS). The results showed that both products improve the chemical stability and mechanical resistance of the fabrics, but with significant differences depending on the type of fiber. Bookkeeper® proved to be more effective in neutralizing the acidity of cotton, while Nanorestore® showed better performance on linen and jute. These results underscore the importance of carefully selecting treatments based on the specific chemical and physical characteristics of the fabrics.