Synthesis of microcrystalline cellulose/TiO2/fluorine/styrene-acrylate coatings and the application for simulated paper cultural relic protection

Paper cultural relics are prone to embrittlement, yellowing, powdering, mildew and damage due to the brittleness of materials, natural deterioration, microbial corrosion, and man-made destruction. To prolong the expected life of paper cultural relics, a series of novel microcrystalline cellulose/TiO2/fluorine/styrene-acrylate coatings were prepared with modified microcrystalline cellulose, modified nano-TiO2, dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate, and several acrylate monomers. The prepared coatings were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and performance-testing devices. In addition, the optimized protective coatings were coated on the simulated paper cultural relic surface, and its protective effects were evaluated by tensile strength retention rate and weight loss rate. When the content of modified nano-TiO2 was 1.0 wt%, the protective coatings exhibited good hydrophobicity, oil repellency, mechanical strength, anti-aging, and reversibility.