Conservation of color paintings on the Rain Flower Pavilion using a multi-functional composite coating

Ancient architectural color paintings are highly susceptible to outdoor environmental conditions. This study explores the feasibility of fluorinated ethylene vinyl ether (FEVE) composites incorporating TiO₂ and SiO2 nanoparticles (F-T/S) as a protective coating for preservation. Characterization results revealed uniformly dispersed nanoparticles without agglomeration or phase changes. The F-T/S films demonstrated enhanced hydrophobicity, UV resistance, and mechanical strength. Nano-SiO2 and Nano-TiO2 significantly improved water resistance ability and UV durability respectively, and mechanical tests also confirmed good tensile strength and hardness. The composites also exhibited strong antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Penicillium citrinum species. Applied to surface of model film samples and pigment layer, the composites maintained excellent durability and visual integrity after 480-hour degradation cycles. These findings highlight F-T/S as a multifunctional conservation material, offering simultaneous mechanical reinforcement, environmental protection, and antifungal properties for conservation of heritage paintings.