Bacterial Cellulose Nanopapers for Document Restoration

The conservation of heritage documents and books requires the use of appropriate materials that ensure effective and durable restoration. In this study, innovative transparent and mechanically robust nanopapers were developed using bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) combined with various commercial cellulose ethers. The developed nanopapers were thoroughly characterized in terms of morphology, porosity, optical properties, barrier performance, mechanical properties, and accelerated aging behavior. The results showed that the incorporation of cellulose ethers significantly enhanced the transparency, barrier properties, and mechanical performance of the nanopapers. Moreover, accelerated aging tests demonstrated excellent chromatic stability. The nanopapers developed were used in the restoration of 18th and 19th century documents, demonstrating their potential as innovative conservation materials. BNC/cellulose ether nanopapers emerge as promising alternatives to conventional restoration papers, offering also superior performance compared to pure BNC nanopapers.