HALLOYSITE NANOTUBES AS INNOVATIVE CONSOLIDANTS FOR HISTORICAL LEATHER

Historical leathers, in a huge variety of items as footwear and garments, bookbinding, wall tapestry, upholstery, harnesses, amours, storage vessels, household tools, cases, musical instruments, toys, ritual objects are regarded as important testimonials of our cultural heritage. It is vital therefore that these objects remain well preserved along with all the knowledge involved, from their material aspects and value use to historical, cultural and artistic values. One of the most difficult challenges in leather conservation concerns with consolidation and pH control. To set up a novel green protocol for the long-term protection of historical and archaeological leather we have investigated the filling and stabilization process of vegetable-tanned leathers treated with various mixtures based on halloysite nanotubes (HNTs).