Assessing the Efficacy of Beva371-SuspendedAg/ZnO Nanocomposite for the Conservation of Heritage Textiles: An Experimental and Applied Study

This study focused at how well Beva371 copolymer mixed with Ag/ZnO Nanocomposite (Ag/ZnO NC) works to preserve a 15th-16thcenturyAD Turkish tablecloth made of plain cotton base embroidered with silk threads, which was dyed with natural dyes of indigo, cochineal, weld, and madder. Blank cotton and indigo-dyed silk fabric mock-ups were prepared similarly to the case-study object and treated with different concentrations of the prepared Ag/ZnO NC, then assessed.The implemented characterization techniques confirmed the successful preparation of Ag/ZnO NC, and the suitability of the 800 μg/mL Ag/ZnO NC suspended in 2% Beva371in the treatment of mock-ups. The obtained results confirmed the improvement in the properties of treated mock-ups without notable side effects, especially in stiffness, color, and air permeability. After accelerated ageing, the treated mock-ups exhibited high resistance against UV, heat, moisture, fungi (especially A. niger), and bacteria (especially E. coli). After characterization, the case-study object was then cleaned, deacidified, consolidated with the Beva371-Ag/ZnO NC, and supported with needlework on a new blank linen fabric stretched on a treated wooden frame.