Cellulose nanocrystal-based composite for restoration of lacunae on damaged documents and artworks on paper

Cellulose nanocrystals are a potentially useful material for filling lacunae of documents and artworks on paper due to their high chemical stability and specific physical properties. A composite of cellulose nanocrystals with propylene glycol, methylcellulose and CaCO3 was obtained. Chemical and physical properties of the cellulose nanocrystal-based were compared with properties of conventional papers. Samples were tested by pH measurements, infrared spectroscopy, stress-strain testing, and scanning electron microscopy. Crystallinity index of the cellulose nanocrystal-based composite paper was about three times higher than that of the reference conventional paper. Nanocrystal-based composite and conventional papers presented similarity in stress-strain behavior. The results make nanocrystal-based composite a candidate for reintegration of lacunae of documents and artworks on paper.