The Nanomatch project has developed nano-structured compounds for the preservation of stone, glass and wood in historical buildings. These products consist of nanoparticles suspended or dissolved in solvents that evaporate once applied. The substances deposited this way then react with ambient air and moisture, transforming into a filler material that reinforces the support.
A product for the consolidation of glass will soon be on the market. Several other products — designed to consolidate stone or counter the acidification of wood — are also essentially ready, says project coordinator Adriana Bernardi of the Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate of the Italian National Research Council (CNR).
However, she notes, a few more tweaks are needed to prepare them for large-scale commercialisation. She expects this process to take another two or three years.