Preservation of Money Art: Material Degradation and Evaluation of Biopolymer Coatings as Protective Strategies
Money Art is a growing contemporary practice where artists transform banknotes into unique visual works. While conceptually powerful, these artworks present significant conservation challenges due to their fragile substrates and complex material compositions. This study investigates the degradation...
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MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| author | Andrea Macchia Irene Angela Colasanti Francesca Irene Barbaccia Camilla Zaratti Giuseppe Franchino Jessica Scarpelli Miriam Damiano Federica Valentini |
| author_facet | Andrea Macchia Irene Angela Colasanti Francesca Irene Barbaccia Camilla Zaratti Giuseppe Franchino Jessica Scarpelli Miriam Damiano Federica Valentini |
| author_sort | Andrea Macchia |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Money Art is a growing contemporary practice where artists transform banknotes into unique visual works. While conceptually powerful, these artworks present significant conservation challenges due to their fragile substrates and complex material compositions. This study investigates the degradation behaviour of UniPosca acrylic markers applied on zero-euro banknotes, drawing on the techniques of artist RichardHTT, and explores bio-based protective strategies suitable for their preservation. Laboratory samples were prepared to replicate the original artwork and subjected to accelerated ageing. A multi-analytical approach was employed, including multispectral imaging, Fourier trasform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) colorimetric analysis. Thickness and adhesion properties were assessed with contact micrometry and peel tests, while wettability was evaluated through static contact angle measurements. Four biopolymer coatings, chitosan and chitosan–nanocellulose films with varying CNC concentrations, were evaluated for their transparency, mechanical stability, and compatibility with the substrate. Results showed that painted areas, especially those with blue and black pigments, experienced marked degradation, while, after coating application, samples demonstrated improved chromatic stability, hydrophobicity, and adhesion. Importantly, all coatings were fully removable via enzymatic cleaning with α-amylase, confirming their reversibility. This research highlights the potential of chitosan-based biocomposites as conservation materials for non-traditional artworks and contributes to developing tailored, reversible strategies for contemporary art preservation. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-5ebd09466b224ae2a60646936df2d4cb |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2076-3417 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Applied Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-5ebd09466b224ae2a60646936df2d4cb2025-08-20T01:56:28ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-05-011510535510.3390/app15105355Preservation of Money Art: Material Degradation and Evaluation of Biopolymer Coatings as Protective StrategiesAndrea Macchia0Irene Angela Colasanti1Francesca Irene Barbaccia2Camilla Zaratti3Giuseppe Franchino4Jessica Scarpelli5Miriam Damiano6Federica Valentini7YOCOCU APS, via Torquato Tasso 108, 00185 Rome, ItalyYOCOCU APS, via Torquato Tasso 108, 00185 Rome, ItalyDepartment of Technological Innovation Engineering, International Telematic University Uninettuno, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 39, 00186 Rome, ItalyYOCOCU APS, via Torquato Tasso 108, 00185 Rome, ItalyYOCOCU APS, via Torquato Tasso 108, 00185 Rome, ItalyYOCOCU APS, via Torquato Tasso 108, 00185 Rome, ItalyYOCOCU APS, via Torquato Tasso 108, 00185 Rome, ItalySciences and Chemical Technologies Department, Tor Vergata University Rome (Italy), via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, ItalyMoney Art is a growing contemporary practice where artists transform banknotes into unique visual works. While conceptually powerful, these artworks present significant conservation challenges due to their fragile substrates and complex material compositions. This study investigates the degradation behaviour of UniPosca acrylic markers applied on zero-euro banknotes, drawing on the techniques of artist RichardHTT, and explores bio-based protective strategies suitable for their preservation. Laboratory samples were prepared to replicate the original artwork and subjected to accelerated ageing. A multi-analytical approach was employed, including multispectral imaging, Fourier trasform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) colorimetric analysis. Thickness and adhesion properties were assessed with contact micrometry and peel tests, while wettability was evaluated through static contact angle measurements. Four biopolymer coatings, chitosan and chitosan–nanocellulose films with varying CNC concentrations, were evaluated for their transparency, mechanical stability, and compatibility with the substrate. Results showed that painted areas, especially those with blue and black pigments, experienced marked degradation, while, after coating application, samples demonstrated improved chromatic stability, hydrophobicity, and adhesion. Importantly, all coatings were fully removable via enzymatic cleaning with α-amylase, confirming their reversibility. This research highlights the potential of chitosan-based biocomposites as conservation materials for non-traditional artworks and contributes to developing tailored, reversible strategies for contemporary art preservation.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/10/5355money artconservationacrylic paintschitosan protectivescontemporary art |
| spellingShingle | Andrea Macchia Irene Angela Colasanti Francesca Irene Barbaccia Camilla Zaratti Giuseppe Franchino Jessica Scarpelli Miriam Damiano Federica Valentini Preservation of Money Art: Material Degradation and Evaluation of Biopolymer Coatings as Protective Strategies Applied Sciences money art conservation acrylic paints chitosan protectives contemporary art |
| title | Preservation of Money Art: Material Degradation and Evaluation of Biopolymer Coatings as Protective Strategies |
| title_full | Preservation of Money Art: Material Degradation and Evaluation of Biopolymer Coatings as Protective Strategies |
| title_fullStr | Preservation of Money Art: Material Degradation and Evaluation of Biopolymer Coatings as Protective Strategies |
| title_full_unstemmed | Preservation of Money Art: Material Degradation and Evaluation of Biopolymer Coatings as Protective Strategies |
| title_short | Preservation of Money Art: Material Degradation and Evaluation of Biopolymer Coatings as Protective Strategies |
| title_sort | preservation of money art material degradation and evaluation of biopolymer coatings as protective strategies |
| topic | money art conservation acrylic paints chitosan protectives contemporary art |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/10/5355 |
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