Titanium dioxide thin film: Environmental control for preservation of paper-art-works

Due to sensitivity of historic papers and their conservation importance, it is necessary to produce appropriate environment condition for preservation purposes. TiO2 nanoparticles have been evaluated for multiple applications in the conservation of paper because of TiO2 nanoparticles special characteristics for UV filtration, decomposing of air pollutants and their antifungal and antibacterial properties. Firstly, TiO2 nanoparticles synthesized in sol-gel process, and then have been coated on glass surface with spray-pyrolysis method. Then, coated glass used for preparing display box for protecting paper-art-works. Also, non-coated glass was used as a blank sample and assessments have been done on the filter paper (Whatman®) as a standard for paper-art-works. Temperature, humidity and light accelerated aging were done on samples in both coated and uncoated boxes. Results showed more tension strength and lower oxidation of paper and also, lower growth of fungi and bacteria in coated glassy box. Furthermore, madder dyed papers into coated box showed lower fading after UV exposure.