A new coating system modified with nano-sized particles for archaeological bronze protection

Abstract

A new coating system for archeological bronze protection that consists of a primer coating and a top coating was prepared in this study. The primer coating was prepared by mixing water-based acrylic emulsion with 1,2,3-benzotriazole, and the ultraviolet (UV) light-resistant top coating was prepared by mixing water-based acrylic emulsion with nano-sized TiO₂ and SiO₂ particles. UV light resistance and visible light transmission, contact angle, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties of the new coating system were investigated and the results showed that UV resistance, hydrophobicity, oleophobicity, glossiness, and corrosion resistance all were improved. Application of the new system on real archaeological bronzes showed that the coating film was colorless, odorless, transparent, soft low-lustre, removable, and the original appearance of the archaeological bronze was well maintained.

Keywords:

• Archaeological bronzes
• Protection
• BTA
• Nano-sized TiO₂
• Nano-sized SiO₂
• Coating
• UV

Acknowledgements

This research was a significant national project and supported by a national Chinese fund. We are especially indebted to Miao Yu for measuring the properties of some of the coatings. Dr Qinglin Ma and Dr Zhao Jing are also thanked for their help in some English usage in the paper, and the editors of the journal.