Work

Conservation of color paintings on the Rain Flower Pavilion using a multi-functional composite coating

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Ancient architectural color paintings are highly susceptible to outdoor environmental conditions. This study explores the feasibility of fluorinated ethylene vinyl ether (FEVE) composites incorporating TiO₂ and SiO 2 nanoparticles (F-T/S) as a protective coating for preservation. Characterization results revealed uniformly dispersed nanoparticles without agglomeration or phase changes. The F-T/S films demonstrated enhanced hydrophobicity, UV resistance, and mechanical strength. Nano-SiO 2 and Nano-TiO 2 significantly improved water resistance ability and UV durability respectively, and mechanical tests also confirmed good tensile strength and hardness. The composites also exhibited strong antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger , Aspergillus flavus , and Penicillium citrinum species. Applied to surface of model film samples and pigment layer, the composites maintained excellent durability and visual integrity after 480-hour degradation cycles. These findings highlight F-T/S as a multifunctional conservation material, offering simultaneous mechanical reinforcement, environmental protection, and antifungal properties for conservation of heritage paintings.

Source: npj Heritage Science

DOI: 10.1038/s40494-025-01812-w