Dr. Giacomo Pizzorusso

The presentation is divided into two parts: a theoretical part and a practical part. The first part focuses on the properties of agar gels, with particular emphasis on the production of agar gel and NEVEK®. In addition, a number of application examples will be presented using images to clearly illustrate the various possible uses. The second part is practice-oriented and includes cleaning trials on soiled wall paintings, as well as trials to remove coatings from wood by adding solvents to the gel, in order to demonstrate the material’s potential applications directly.

BEVA 371, a heat-seal adhesive introduced in the 1970s, is widely used in art restoration for its malleability, reversibility, and compatibility with various materials. However, recent formulation changes affecting its activation temperature may compromise art safety.

The presentation comprises a theoretical section devoted to Nanorestore and its 18-year history, research and scientific development. Starting with the origins of Nanorestore, the presentation traces the development of the technology and examines its chemical mechanisms of action in greater detail. Some of the earliest historical applications are illustrated using images and case studies. This is followed by a presentation of more recent restoration projects and initiatives, to illustrate the evolving use of Nanorestore in the field of conservation and restoration.

The programme is divided into two parts: a theoretical part and a practical part. The first part focuses on the properties of PVA-borax gels, with particular emphasis on their preparation. In addition, examples of their use are presented using images to illustrate the various applications in the field of restoration. The second part is practice-oriented and comprises a practical demonstration of gel production, followed by cleaning tests to clearly demonstrate the gel’s application.