Preliminary investigations of the action of nanostructured materials for the conservation of fresco paintings in high-humid environments

A preliminary study on the protective effect of nanostructured materials developed for the conservation of fresco paintings sited in high humidity environments is here reported. The study has been performed on mock-up samples prepared on the base of a non-invasive investigation performed on the frescos of the complex St. Mary of the Cave in Marsala (Trapani, Italy). The mock-up samples simulate both the stone support and the mortar preparation as well as the fresco painted with the same kind of pigments found in two of fresco paintings. Some nanostructured materials such as nano-sized fluorosilanes in water, nanosilica in water, nanolime and their mixtures have been tested evaluating the effect on the colour appearance and on surface properties.