Cultural Heritage
People in charge: Sophie Cantin-Rivière – Odile Fichet
As part of the preservation and restoration of heritage, RIPs combining poly(methyl methacrylate) and polycarbonate that are resistant to mechanical(scratch) and chemical alteration caused by their cleaning have been developed. These clear RIPs PMMA/PCR39® transparents (T=95%),synthesised in one step, without solvent, have a scratch resistance six times higher than the PMMA. 
Polymer networks can also be used in old paper restoration work. Thus, the introduction by sol-gel of a polysiloxane network carrying amine groups within an old paper simultaneously allows its deacidification (from ph=4 to ph=9) and strengthening (number of double-folds increased from 17 to 25).
In addition, our work on the preservation of plasticized PVC heritage objects has shed new light on the long-term effect of conservation methods. Thus, mechanical cleaning of old PVC with exudates does not alter the rate of subsequent migration of plasticizers to the PVC surface. On the other hand, closed conditioning slows the rate of alteration.
As part of the preservation and restoration of heritage, RIPs combining poly(methyl methacrylate) and polycarbonate that are resistant to mechanical(scratch) and chemical alteration caused by their cleaning have been developed. These clear RIPs PMMA/PCR39® transparents (T=95%),synthesised in one step, without solvent, have a scratch resistance six times higher than the PMMA.