Textile artefacts conservation using nanomaterials – Review

Abstract

Continuous research is necessary for the field of cultural heritage conservation to maintain up-to-date knowledge regarding new treatments and methods for preserving artefacts. Cultural heritage conservation is not only necessary for preserving the memory of our predecessors but is also meaningful for future generations. History museums around the world contain impressive collections of heritage textiles in various stages of degradation. The main method of preservation is maintaining the objects a microclimate to limit degradation by adjusting the temperature, humidity, and brightness of the rooms in which they are exposed or stored. Biodegradation is influenced by the presence of microorganisms, the availability of oxygen, temperature, humidity, light, and chemical factors (pH, electrolytes, etc.). This paper aims to provide scientific information on how heritage textiles have been studied and characterized, as well as the methods of preservation reported in the literature. Particular attention is being paid to nanomaterials, as they have been intensively studied for various applications and demonstrated to exhibit antimicrobial effects, which can be utilized to treat heritage objects and slow down degradation processes.