Sustainable Conservation of Contemporary Murals: Development and Evaluation of a Chitosan-Nanosilica Protective Coating for Outdoor Artworks.

This PhD research investigates sustainable strategies for the conservation of contemporary murals, focusing on the development of a chitosan–nanosilica hybrid coating. The formulation was chemically and physically characterised and evaluated for its protective performance on painted mock-ups under accelerated ageing conditions. A preliminary Life Cycle Assessment was also carried out to assess its environmental impact. The study integrates laboratory experimentation with the in-situ monitoring of a real mural, providing insights into degradation mechanisms of modern spray paints. Overall, the research contributes to the development of evidence-based and environmentally conscious conservation approaches for urban art.