NANOCOMPOSITES AS PROTECTIVE LAYERS FOR CONSERVATION OF ARTISTIC STONES: PERFORMANCE AND LCA STUDY

Rosaria D’Amato1, Simona Scalbi2, Cristina Giancristofaro3, Luisa Caneve4, Franca Persia5

1 ENEA, UTAPRAD-MNF, Frascati (RM), rosaria.damato@enea.it

2 ENEA, UTVALAMB-LCA , Bologna, simona.scalbi@enea.it

3 ENEA, UTTMAT-DIAG, S. Maria di Galeria - Roma, c.giancristofaro@gmail.com

4 ENEA, UTAPRAD-DIM, Frascati (RM), luisa.caneve@enea.it

5 ENEA, UTTMAT-DIAG, S. Maria di Galeria - Roma, franca.persia@enea.it

ABSTRACT

In this work, nanocomposites constituted by inorganic oxide NPs in polymeric matrices were investigated as protective coatings for artistic stone. In particular SiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles were produced by laser synthesis and the nanocomposites were prepared by dispersion of these nanoparticles in commercial acrylic polymer (Paraloid B72) and silicon-based resin (Rhodorsil RC80). The preservation properties of these nanocomposites were tested by the application on Carrara marble and travertine samples, very common litotypes in outdoor cultural heritage. The performance of the NPs modified consolidant was evaluated by means of various diagnostic techniques, namely: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water absorption for total immersion, contact angle, ultrasonic testing and colorimetry. This work includes the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies in order to analyse the main potential environmental issues in the production of nanomaterials and to assess and compare the environmental impacts of traditional coatings and NCs for surface treatments of artistic stones. The produced nanocomposites resulted to have improved performances respect to commercial product as protective coatings, even if their environmental impact seems to be worse. However the greater durability and an industrial method of production of the nanocomposites can turn the situation about their environmental effects.

Parole chiave/Key-words: LCA, nanocomposites, stones conservation, silica nanoparticles, titania nanoparticles