Chemical characterization of linen textile supports treated with polysaccharides-based consolidant formulations retarding deterioration

Support deterioration is one of the main sources of damage affecting the image conveyed by canvas paintings. Thus, the consolidation of the support is a crucial step during the restoration of this kind of artworks. The purpose of this study is to identify a new intervention strategy resulting in the consolidation and deacidification of the textile fibres constituting the canvas. The two products selected to this end, namely hydroxypropylcellulose (Klucel E) and Funori, are polysaccharidic polymers, as the cellulose and hemicellulose that build up the canvas itself. A suspension of calcium carbonate micro-particles has also been added to hydroxypropylcellulose in order to provide a deacidification effect. The criteria underpinning the decision of employing these products stem from a reinterpretation of support consolidation considered as a maintenance and preventive procedure meant to delay a more invasive intervention. Obviously, this approach implies a regular maintenance of the work-ofart. The canvas samples treated with the proposed methods have been observed with optical microscope under visible and UV light, and have been analysed with attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (FTIR/ATR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and pyrolysisgas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). The collected data show that Funori ensures a suitable compatibility with the substrate and a reasonable stability towards the natural ageing conditions of a canvas painting, while providing a mild protection of textile fibres. New assumptions for further investigation are placed.