Acrylic and Acetovinylic Polymers for the Conservation of Cotton Textiles

With the aim of better understanding the phenomena related to the application of polymeric materials on natural fiber textiles for restoration purposes, six commercial polymers based on acrylic and acetovinylic monomers are tested on modem cotton textiles. Cotton samples are impregnated with water dispersions of these polymers. The morphology of the polymeric films formed on the surfaces of the fibers, the chromatic and consolidating effects of the applications, and the adhesive properties of the polymers are investigated. The morphology of the films coating the fibers is independent of the morphology of the fibers constituting the textile substrate. There are no relevant chromatic effects related to the application of polymeric materials on cotton fabrics, indicating that treatments should be compatible with the aesthetic of cotton items. The consolidating effect of application is evaluated on cotton yarns artificially degraded in HCl solution, and depends strictly on the amount of polymer applied. Peel strength values exhibited by cotton samples prepared by compression molding and under vacuum suggest that the most useful adhesive agents are those with a Tg slightly lower than room temperature.