Quantitative Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Profiling and Diffusometry on Fluorinated Compounds to Preserve Cultural Heritage Porous Media and Safe for the Environment

This work was focused on the preparation of a new protective agent with low average molecular weight containing short pendant perfluoropolyether segments linked to an oligosuccinamide chain in order to achieve: (i) high hydrophobic effect and photo-stability, (ii) good adhesion to the rock through the polar amidic groups, (iii) excellent distribution on the pore walls surface without their blockage, (iv) solubility in environmental friendly solvents. Hydrophobic penetration and distribution properties of the compound applied on a biocalcarenite (Lecce stone), have been investigated by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Imaging, Profiling and Diffusometry of 1H nuclei, and compared with a perfluorinated commercial product. These NMR techniques has been proved to be a valid non-destructive and non-invasive technique for monitoring the conservation state and water absorption in materials and objects of interest to cultural heritage, as well as for evaluating the efficiency and distribution of protective or consolidation treatments.