Chemistry of Materials

The learning objective of this course is to provide the Student with an adequate knowledge of the basic concepts of the materials chemistry applied to the conservation of Cultural Heritage, with particular emphasis to the chemistry of both natural and synthetic polymers used in the arts as bulk materials (e.g. cellulose, wood and plastics) as well as adhesives, consolidants and protective coatings, for monuments, as an example.
In order to understand the most suitable conservation strategy for each type of material, the basic concepts on the degradation of polymeric materials will be discussed, framing them within the artistic context.
The chemical knowledge related to the micellar and emulsion systems and to the polymeric gels used for the cleaning and conservation of the artistic artefacts will be provided, as well.
In doing so, the Student will acquire the scientific and methodological skills necessary to carry out interventions. In addition, the Student will be able to evaluate the level of degradation of the work of art under investigation, analysing its chemical-physical and morphological-structural properties, therefore he/she will be able to identify and operate by exploiting the most suitable conservation strategy.

At the end of the course, the Student will be able:
- to describe the chemical-physical properties of both natural and synthetic polymers used in the artistic field both as bulk materials for works of art, and consolidants, adhesives and protective coatings;
- to recognize and illustrate the degradation phenomena affecting the conservation of an artistic artefact made up of polymers, such as cellulose, wood and plastics;
- to recognize and illustrate the degradation phenomena affecting the performances of polymers used as consolidants, adhesives and protective agents;
- to identify and select the most suitable conservation strategy for the specific case, thanks to the scientific and methodological skills acquired;
- to treat an artistic artefact, by employing the most suitable conservation strategy for the specific case, on the basis of a careful critical analysis of the state of decay of an artistic artefact;

- to dialogue with other professional figures in the field of Cultural Heritage, becoming the ideal interface between who synthesize and produce polymers and who restore artistic artefacts.