Nanocomposites based on esterified colophony and halloysite clay nanotubes as consolidants for waterlogged archaeological woods

We have designed an innovative protocol for the consolidation of waterlogged archaeological woods by using acetone mixtures of halloysite clay nanotubes and a chemically modified colophony (Rosin). Firstly, we have investigated the thermal properties of HNTs/Rosin nanocomposites, which have been prepared by means of the casting method from acetone. The HNTs content have been systematically changed in order to study the influence of the inorganic filler on the thermal stability and glass transition process of Rosin. We have observed that the thermal properties of the hybrids are affected by the specific HNTs/Rosin interactions. Then, acetone dispersions of HNTs/Rosin composites at variable filler content have been employed as consolidants for waterlogged archaeological woods. The quantitative analysis of the thermogravimetric curves have provided the amount of consolidants entrapped into the wood structure. These results have been successfully correlated to the consolidation efficiencies estimated from the analysis of the wood shrinkage volume upon drying. The attained knowledge represents the basic step to develop a green protocol for the long term protection of wooden art-works.