Evaluation of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) as a Green Alternative to Common Solvents in Conservation Treatments
Source abstract
Abstract
This study investigates the potential of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) as environmentally sustainable alternatives to traditional solvents for the removal of low-polarity materials commonly found in cultural heritage artefacts. Recognizing the environmental and health concerns associated with conventional solvents, this research focuses on FAME to remove low/non-polarity or non-polar substances used in cultural heritage preservation. Laboratory samples coated with low molecular synthetic resins (LMW) such as Regalrez 1094 and microcrystalline wax were treated with FAME applied in gel to prevent solvent–substrate interactions. Photographic documentation under UV-vis light, optical microscope observations, and spectrocolorimetric analysis were used for assessing surface “cleanness”, while FTIR-ATR spectroscopy was used to detect possible residue from treatment. Moreover, SEM analysis was used for a better understanding of the results. The best results were obtained using FAME base on methyl stearate according to Hansen-RED.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis · Building materials and conservation · Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
YOCOCU APS—Youth in Conservation of Cultural Heritage, Via T. Tasso 108, 00185 Rome, Italy
Lab4green s.r.l, Via T. Tasso 108, 00185 Rome, Italy
Department of Science of Antiquities, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
Chemical Sciences Technologies Department, Tor Vergata University of Roma, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
Department of Technological Innovation Engineering, Digital Technologies for Industry 4.0, Uninettuno University, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 39, 00186 Rome, Italy
CNR-ISAC, Institute of Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133 Rome, Italy
CNR ISMN, Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, Strada Provinciale 35d, 9, 00010 Rome, Italy
Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences (DIBEST), University of Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, Arcavacata, 87036 Rende, Italy
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