An Innovative Fluorinated Polyacrylic Coating for the Protection of the Cultural Heritage

A novel water-repellent methyl methacrylate (MMA)-based resin was prepared via free radical polymerization adopting 1H,1H-heptafluoro-n-butyl methacrylate (F7) as co-monomer at 1% mol/mol. Both macromolecular and wettability features of the as- synthesized polymeric resin were finely studied. Subsequently, it was easily applied by air-brushing on Candoglia marble, a widely used substrate in historical buildings. Hydrophobic properties, water capillary rise and vapor permeability alongside with color variation assessment of coated marbles were investigated both before and after outdoor exposure in a real polluted environment (Monza Cathedral). This work highlights that a polymeric protective prepared from a co- monomer bearing a medium-length (seven fluorine atoms) fluorinated pendant chain is characterized by satisfactory hydrophobic and durability features to be potentially applied for the preservation of the Cultural Heritage.