Multifunctional Acrylic-Based Nanocomposites for Protecting Heritage Textiles

The present study aims to assess two nanocomposites (S-SiO2 and Ag-SiO2) suspended in two copolymers (Beva 371 and Paraloid B72) for their efficiency in consolidation, UV-blocking, and antimicrobial activities against six fungi and six bacteria, applied to dyed silk fabric samples. TEM, SEM-EDX, XRD, UTM, colorimeter, stiffness tester, air permeability, and inhibition zone techniques were used. The obtained results demonstrated the successful preparation of both nanocomposites. All treatments had varying positive and negative effects on the properties of silk fabrics. The more nanomaterials, the greater the effects on the samples' properties. Paraloid-based treatments exhibited more improvement in all fabrics' properties but increased the stiffness differently. On the contrary, Beva-based treatments showed better results in terms of elongation percentage and flexibility of the samples. The Ag-based treatments exhibited better results than the S-based treatments in anti-UV and antimicrobial activities against the tested fungi and bacteria. The concentration of 600 μg/mL of Ag-SiO2 nanocomposite in 2% Paraloid B72 in toluene is recommended as a multifunctional formula for consolidating, UV-blocking, and antimicrobial activity of stiff and/or thick heritage textiles and carpets, whilst the 600 μg/mL of Ag-SiO2 nanocomposite in 2% Beva 371 in toluene is recommended as a multifunctional formula for the fine and delicate heritage textiles.