Chemical consolidants for cultural heritage preservation: does crystal engineering have a role to play?

Abstract

Cultural heritage refers to intangible traditions and tangible artifacts. The latter have been at the epicenter of several scientific disciplines, mainly in the framework of preservation. An important and integral part of the preservation of cultural heritage objects (large or small) is the application of chemical consolidants. These are chemical compounds (inorganic, organic, or hybrid) that are used to stabilize and strengthen deteriorating artifacts, structures, or artworks. Important attributes of a consolidant for managing stone deterioration include high penetration depth, chemical compatibility with the stone, and the ability to improve mechanical properties, while minimizing the risk of accelerated degradation or aesthetic changes. This Highlight attempts to correlate the action of consolidants with the stone through the tools of crystal engineering. It presents selected information on inorganic, organic, and multifunctional consolidants, and focuses on the possible mechanisms of the consolidating action through the “eyes” of the chemist/crystal engineer.