Rodica-Mariana ION1, Lorena IANCU2, Ramona Marina GRIGORESCU3, Ionuț Octavian ZĂULEȚ4, Sofia Slămnoiu-Teodorescu5
Abstract. This paper explores the potential of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles in the conservation and/or restoration process of some artifacts, highlighting their photocatalytic nature, which often contributes to the degradation of painted surfaces. UV light radiation affects the photocatalytic properties of TiO₂, allowing it to break down organic contaminants on the surface of paintings, and sometimes lead to color changes in the painted layers. Several techniques are used to evaluate the efficacy of TiO₂ nanoparticles: Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), UV-Vis Spectrophotometry, FTR and Raman, as well as colorimetry and glossmetry. The radicals generated by the interaction between TiO₂ and UV light can break down the pigment present in the paint, leading to coating, discoloration, and loss of the integrity of the artwork over time. The case of commercial pigment 588 is discussed.
Keywords: painting; pigments; TiO2; UV-ageing; glossmetry
DOI 10.56082/annalsarsciphyschem.2024.2.7
1Valahia University of Targoviste, Targoviste, Dambovita, Romania, Associate member of Academy of Romanian Scientists
2ICECHM, Bucharest, Romania
3ICECHM, Bucharest, Romania
4ICECHIM; Bucharest, Romania
5Materials Engineering Dept., Valahia University of Targoviste, Targoviste, Dambovita, Romania
PUBLISHED in Annals of the Academy of Romanian Scientists Series on Physics and Chemistry, Volume 9, No2