Nanodispersions of TiO₂ in Water for Removing Acrylic Films Used in Conservation

Abstract

The influence of a nanodispersion of TiO2 in water (nanoparticle size: 40 nm, polydispersity index: 0.25), brushed on a Paraloid film and subjected to UV–Vis irradiation was evaluated. The TiO2 nanodispersions showed a tendency to reduce the molecular weight of Paraloid due to its photocatalytic properties. FTIR and GPC analyses and SEM images suggested the degradation of the polymer, while chromatic variations of the films were scarcely detected. This study is very remarkable in the perspective of using this material for the removal of polymeric films used in conservation.

Keywords

• paraloid
• acrylic polymers
• TiO₂ nanodispersion
• stone conservation
• nanoparticles
• photo-oxidation