Introduction The protection of historical oil paintings is a matter of great importance in the art world, as these works of art often carry immense cultural and financial value. In recent years, however, researchers at the University of Amsterdam and the Rijksmuseum have discovered that even small amounts of water can lead to the rapid formation of metal soap crystals in these paintings, causing them to become damaged. This raises the importance of understanding exactly how water interacts with solvents to cause this damage, in order to ensure that the best protection can be provided to the artwork. What Are Metal Soap Crystals? Metal soap crystals are a type of crystalline material that is formed when metal ions, such as aluminium and iron, interact with molecules of a fatty acid. This typically occurs when the fatty acid is dissolved in water, or when molecules of a polar solvent are mixed with molecules of water. Effects of Water and Polar Solvents on Oil Paintings When water or a polar solvent is introduced to an oil painting, the fatty acids that are present in the paint combine with the water molecules to form metal soap crystals. This is especially problematic when it comes to polar solvents, as these often contain traces of water, meaning that the reaction is much more likely to occur. The presence of metal soap crystals can lead to severe damage to the painting, as they can cause the paint to flake or crack. This can lead to irreparable damage to the artwork, meaning it is essential to protect the painting from any water or polar solvents. The Research of the University of Amsterdam and the Rijksmuseum In order to better understand and protect against the damage caused by metal soap crystals, researchers from the University of Amsterdam and the Rijksmuseum have conducted a study on this subject. Published in the journal Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, the paper investigated the reaction between water molecules and fatty acids in the presence of a polar solvent. The researchers found that, when a polar solvent was present, the reaction between the water molecules and the fatty acids was increased, leading to the formation of more metal soap crystals. This demonstrated the danger of using polar solvents when dealing with historical oil paintings, as they are much more likely to cause the formation of metal soap crystals, compared to other solvents. Conclusion The study conducted by researchers at the University of Amsterdam and the Rijksmuseum has demonstrated the danger posed by even small amounts of water when it comes to the protection of historical oil paintings. The research has shown that the use of polar solvents, which often contain traces of water, should be avoided in order to prevent the rapid formation of metal soap crystals, which can lead to severe damage to the painting. This research is essential in order to ensure the preservation of these important works of art, as without proper protection, these paintings can become irreversibly damaged. It is hoped that, with further research, more effective methods of protecting these historical oil paintings can be found, in order to ensure these works of art are preserved for future generations to enjoy.
https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/be-careful-with-polar-solvents-when-restoring-historical-paintings-warn-scientists
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