Innovative application of advanced nanomaterials designing future treatment technology for art conservation

The paper presents the results of the first successful application of astounding one-atom-thick nanomaterials in art conservation - carbon nanotubes and silver nanoparticles - obtained during the IMAT Research Project under the Seventh Framework Program (FP7) for research coordinated by the University of Florence. The IMAT project explored the application of carbon nanotubes and silver nanoparticles while inventing a series of innovative, mobile, state-of-the-art precision instruments for accurate and selective mild heat transfer. Conservators apply heat transfer for diverse treatments, but conventional tools cannot provide the required control through accuracy and uniformity of heat transfer, are unable to target locally, lack versatility and mobility and often carry risk or even cause damages. Thermoconductive nanomaterials could change this situation radically. IMAT