New Frontiers in Materials Science for Art Conservation: Responsive Gels and Beyond

摘要

Tnhe works of art and artifacts that constitute our cultural her-nitage are subject to deterioration, both from internal andnfrom external factors. Surfaces that interact with the environ-nment are the most prone to aging and decay; accordingly, soil-ning is a prime factor in the degradation of surfaces and thenattendant disfigurement of a piece. Coatings that were origi-nnally intended to protect or contribute aesthetically to an art-nwork should be removed if they begin to have a destructivenimpact on its appearance or surface chemistry.