Cryogenics as an Advanced Method of Cleaning Cultural Heritage: Challenges and Solutions

The conservation and restoration of cultural heritage rely on technology and products designed for other sectors. The incorporation of new equipment requires exhaustive studies to ensure the viability of the new method linked to the safety of the technique, both for the operator and for the artwork. For this purpose, this research presents a preliminary approach to the study of dry ice blasting for its possible incorporation in the field of cultural heritage. This technique is characterized by being harmless for the operator and does not require washing times or subsequent evaporation as a result of solvent retention. It is an efficient and sustainable treatment, widely used in the technological, aerospace and industrial sectors. The article shows a theoretical analysis of the research results obtained by other specialists with the aim of introducing this technique in the eco-sustainable study of innovative technologies for the cleaning of culturally relevant surfaces. It describes the procedure of cryogenics, some cleaning equipment currently available and relevant case studies for both industrial and patrimonial contexts. Through the compilation and processing of documentary sources, we will be able to understand, define and analyze this new technique, specifying some basic aspects for its experimental evaluation. The attempt to incorporate cryogenics in the field of heritage is an improvement towards the reduction of the ecological management derived from the use of chemical waste. It is an innovative resource, full of benefits for the sector, in addition to contributing to five Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda. This contribution allows progress towards a safer, greener and more sustainable restoration, reducing the dangers associated with the use of solvents and their irremediable ecological impact.