Almonds By-Product Microcrystalline Cellulose as Stucco for Wooden Artifacts

Abstract

Over the years in the field of conservation of cultural heritage, a wide use of traditional products for the plastic reintegration of wooden artifacts has been seen. However, they are usually not designed for this purpose. The present study also shows, in terms of material compatibility, the material most suited for wood restoration, cellulose pulp, from the perspective of a new green approach of reusing waste. Indeed, microcellulose was obtained by simple alkaline treatment from softwood almond shells. In particular, Prunus dulcis Miller (D.A.) Webb. was considered an agro-industrial waste largely available in southern Italy. To value the possibility of using this material in a circular economy framework, a microcellulosic material was used, by adding different binders, to manufacture several stuccos to utilize as wood consolidants. Successively, in order to obtain stuccos with biocidal properties against fungal colonization or insect infestation, to which wooden artifacts are often exposed, cellulose pulp was combined with the essential oil of Thymus capitaus (L.) Hoffmanns. & Link., whose biological properties have been largely reported. The physical flexion properties of all new materials were tested.