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Enhancing the Properties of PVA-Based Hydrogel with Cellulose Nanofibers and Tartaric Acid for Safe Paper Conservation
Abstract:
Paper-based cultural heritage is highly sensitive to cleaning processes, requiring materials that are mechanically safe, precisely applicable, and capable of preserving fiber and surface integrity. Conventional poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels often exhibit poor dimensional stability, leading to spreading outside the targeted treatment area, and high tackiness, which can damage paper surfaces. This study presents an optimized PVA-based hydrogel incorporating cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and tartaric acid (TA), with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a plasticizer and borax as a crosslinker. The effects of different compositions and gelation methods on viscoelasticity, swelling, and water release were investigated. The abundant hydroxyl groups of CNF enhanced solvent absorption, increased swelling capacity, reduced tackiness, and improved the storage modulus of the hydrogel, while TA improved dimensional stability and PEG balanced stiffness with controlled water release. The formulation containing 4 wt% PVA, 0.3% CNF, 25% TA, 10% borax, and 1% PEG exhibited superior performance, with a storage modulus within the suitable range for cleaning (1,000–20,000 Pa), moderate swelling, low tackiness, and no residue on paper. These results highlight the contribution of nanoscale technology to hydrogel design and demonstrate the potential of the developed material as a safe and effective cleaning system for paper conservation.
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45-51
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March 2026
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© 2026 Trans Tech Publications Ltd. All Rights Reserved
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