Cellulose nanocrystals as sustainable material for enhanced painting efficiency of watercolor paint

• Published in: Surfaces and interfaces Vol. 27; p. 101570
• Main Authors: Imchalee, Nalintip, Meesupthong, Ratthapong, Torgbo, Selorm, Sukyai, Prakit
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01-12-2021
• Subjects: Cellulose nanocrystals; Color fastness; Surface coating material; Watercolor paint; Color fastness; Surface coating material; Watercolor paint; Cellulose nanocrystals
• ISSN: 2468-0230; 2468-0230
• DOI: 10.1016/j.surfin.2021.101570

Currently the watercolor used in painting on paper has been confronted with many problems such as deterioration, fragility and fading to light. This study evaluates the potentials of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in improving painting efficiency of watercolor paint. The paint was mixed with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) at different concentrations (1, 3, 5 and 7 wt.%). The CNCs-based mixture was painted on paper, and the presence of CNCs in the painting was confirmed by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated better smoothness of watercolor paint mixed with CNCs on paper than painting without CNCs. Mechanical test showed the CNCs concentrations of 3 and 5% were significantly higher, in terms of tensile strength and Young's modulus. There was an improvement in color fastness to light from “noticeable fading” in watercolor without CNCs to “slight fading” in all the paintings containing CNCs. Cellulose nanocrystals as eco-friendly material could be employed as coating agent in paint production to enhance longevity and durability of paintings.