Cultural heritage objects

In this project we propose to develop an original approach for the protection of the surfaces of cultural heritage objects by seeking for the first time to exploit the properties of graphene. Until now, a wide range of materials has been tested as corrosion inhibitors and surface protections for heritage objects. However, no product is today fully satisfactory. Graphene is ultrathin (thickness of an atomic layer), flexible, light and transparent. In addition, it has exceptional chemical and mechanical resistance. All these properties make it an ideal potential material to achieve effective surface protection, durable and not altering the aesthetic and visual appearance of the objects.

The project was performed in collaboration with G. Shmavonyan, Associate Professor at the National Polytechnic University of Armenia. The work is based on G. Shmavonyan’s European patent on the deposition of graphene which was validated on June 30, 2016.

Collaborative work with Viera Skakalova from Vienna University, Austria, and expert on graphene, brings complementary skills to the project.

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