The Boom in Nanomaterials for Built Heritage Conservation: Why Does Size Matter?

There is no doubt that nanotechnology and nanoscience open new doors to new applications and products that can potentially revolutionize the practice field and how we conserve built heritage materials. However, we are living at the beginning of this era and the potential benefits of nanotechnology to specific conservation practice needs are not always fully understood. This opinion/review paper aims to present reflections and answer a question that we are often asked when working directly with stone field conservators: why should we use a nanomaterial instead of a conventional product? Why does size matter? To answer this question, we revise the basic concepts of nanoscience with implications for the built heritage conservation field.

Effectiveness and durability of anti-graffiti products applied on ETICS: towards a compatible and sustainable graffiti removal protocol.

External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) are widely used constructive solutions which aim at enhancing the building thermal performance. Nevertheless, ETICS can often present anomalies (e.g.

Advances in Nanolime and Other Nanomaterials for Built Heritage Conservation.

This Special Issue examines the synthesis, characterization, and manufacturing of nanoparticles and their potential advantages and applications for the conservation of built cultural heritage materials [...

Microstructural characterization of consolidant products for historical renders: an innovative nanostructured lime dispersion and a more traditional ethyl silicate limewater solution.

The conservation and durability of historical renders must be carried out through compatible techniques and materials. An important operation is the restitution of historical renders cohesion, turned friable by the loss of binder, usually due to physical and/or chemical actions. Surface consolidation is based on the use of materials with aggregating properties.