Some Practical Aspects of Nanocellulose Film: Characterization, Expansion and Shrinking Tests, and Techniques to Create Remoistenable Nanocellulose

Abstract Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), commonly referred to as nanocellulose, is an emerging conservation material with significant potential for application in a wide range of conservation treatments. Due to its properties of transparency and mechanical strength, nanocellulose film offers novel potential when thin tissues may not be suitable. However, when water or aqueous adhesives are applied to nanocellulose, it loses stability and becomes pulpy, making practical use problematic. Additionally, nanocellulose film can shrink upon drying, causing planar deformation. For these reasons, adhesives used with nanocellulose are limited in published treatments to date. The nanocellulose film used in this study was characterized and expansion and shrinking tests were conducted to better understand how nanocellulose film reacts when water and ethanol are introduced. The potential of using nanocellulose film in a remoistenable form is also explored. Results found that nanocellulose film behaved differently than Japanese tissue when water was introduced. While each expanded when water was introduced, the nanocellulose film shrunk 11 % from its initial size when dry, whereas the Japanese tissue returned to its initial size. Practical techniques are recommended to create remoistenable nanocellulose film with a selection of adhesives. Notably, remoistenable nanocellulose films created with methylcellulose and gelatine showed promising initial results.