Patents

Fabric for cleaning surfaces of historical and artistic interest

Inventors: S. Prati, G. Sciutto, C. Gualandi, M. L. Focarete, R. Mazzeo, F. Ramacciotti
Ownership: ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - UNIVERSITA' DI BOLOGNA
Licensing status: Available for development agreements, option, license and other exploitation agreements
Keywords: Electrospinning, Cleaning, Restoration, Cultural heritage, Paint removal, Resins, Conservation, Solvents, Paintings

The patent described in the document is for an innovative electrospun non-woven fabric designed for cleaning and restoring cultural heritage artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, archaeological finds, archival materials, and cinematographic films. The fabric is coupled with a solvent and operates by controlled solvent release, making it highly effective in removing synthetic and natural coatings or varnishes without damaging the underlying surface.

Methodology:

  1. The fabric is placed on the surface to be cleaned
  2. The solvent interacts with the undesired layer, causing it to swell and be absorbed into the fabric
  3. The fabric is then removed, leaving the surface clean without residue

Advantages:

  1. Economic and environmental benefits due to reduced solvent usage
  2. Simplified and effective cleaning system
  3. Lower risk of damage to valuable cultural assets
  4. Minimized exposure to solvents for restorers

Applications - Restoration of cultural heritage assets, including:

  1. Paintings and sculptures
  2. Archaeological finds
  3. Archival materials
  4. Cinematographic films