Micro-layers of polystyrene film preventing metal oxidation: implications in cultural heritage conservation

摘要: Protection of surfaces directly exposed to the detrimental action degradative agents (i.e. oxygen, air pollutants and bacteria) is one most important challenges in field conservation works art. Metallic objects are subjected specific surface corrosion phenomena that, over years, make mandatory research innovative materials that should avoid direct contact between metal weathering agents. In this paper, set-up, characterisation application a new reversible material for preserving artefacts reported. Micro-layers constituted low-adhesive polystyrene (PS) films obtained from recycling waste packaging made expanded PS were studied. The morphology thickness characterised by optical, atomic force scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A further check on was carried out means visible spectrophotometry doping with hydrophobic dye. Thermal properties micro-layers studied differential calorimetry coupled optical microscopy. Permeability water vapour also determined. potential films, enabled an easy removal case film deterioration, preventing oxidation investigated brass specimens simulating standard artificial programmes. Morphological chemical (coupling energy-dispersive X-rays spectrometry SEM measurements) analyses these samples showed promising results terms protection against corrosion.