Textile artefacts conservation using nanomaterials – Review

Continuous research is necessary for the field of cultural heritage conservation to maintain up-to-date knowledge regarding
new treatments and methods for preserving artefacts. Cultural heritage conservation is not only necessary for preserving
the memory of our predecessors but is also meaningful for future generations. History museums around the world contain
impressive collections of heritage textiles in various stages of degradation. The main method of preservation is maintaining
the objects a microclimate to limit degradation by adjusting the temperature, humidity, and brightness of the rooms in
which they are exposed or stored. Biodegradation is influenced by the presence of microorganisms, the availability of
oxygen, temperature, humidity, light, and chemical factors (pH, electrolytes, etc.). This paper aims to provide scientific
information on how heritage textiles have been studied and characterized, as well as the methods of preservation reported
in the literature. Particular attention is being paid to nanomaterials, as they have been intensively studied for various
applications and demonstrated to exhibit antimicrobial effects, which can be utilized to treat heritage objects and slow down
degradation processes.