Analytical Methodologies for the Environmental Degradation of Assets
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course provides an introduction to the techniques of instrumental chemical analysis and structural characterization of materials of cultural interest, focusing on the study of the effects produced by the environment on such materials and paying particular attention to experimental aspects and data interpretation. Therefore, the aim of the course is to help the student understand what compositional and structural information can be obtained from this type of investigation on original materials and the degradation products derived from them.
Expected learning outcomes
Ability to interpret and use analytical information from the findings and the possibility of intervention for conservation purposes.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Module prof. Bruni: Atmospherical pollutants and their effect on cultural heritage. Summary of the most important techniques for the analysis of environmental degradation of materials. Degradation of stone, mortars, natural and synthetic dyes and plastics. Effect of indoor pollutants on materials in museums and exhibitions.
Module Prof. Castellano: Advanced characterization of cultural heritage by X-ray diffraction. Methods and examples. Diffraction on polycrystalline and single crystal materials. The EXAFS technique applied to the characterization of cultural heritage.
Module Prof. Trasatti: Metals and alloys. Crystalline lattices and lattice defects. Solidification mechanisms. General features of phase diagrams. Iron-carbon diagram. Metallographic analysis. Introduction to optical and electronic microscopy. Corrosion basics. Pourbaix diagram, Atmospheric corrosion. Study cases.
Module Prof. Castellano: Advanced characterization of cultural heritage by X-ray diffraction. Methods and examples. Diffraction on polycrystalline and single crystal materials. The EXAFS technique applied to the characterization of cultural heritage.
Module Prof. Trasatti: Metals and alloys. Crystalline lattices and lattice defects. Solidification mechanisms. General features of phase diagrams. Iron-carbon diagram. Metallographic analysis. Introduction to optical and electronic microscopy. Corrosion basics. Pourbaix diagram, Atmospheric corrosion. Study cases.
Prerequisites for admission
Base knowledge of general, analytical and organic chemistry is required to attend the course.
For a deeper understanding of the topics of Prof. Trasatti's module, the attendance of the course of Archeometallurgy for the bachelor degree in Cultural Heritage: Sciences, Technologies and Diagnostics is highly recommended.
For a deeper understanding of the topics of Prof. Trasatti's module, the attendance of the course of Archeometallurgy for the bachelor degree in Cultural Heritage: Sciences, Technologies and Diagnostics is highly recommended.
Teaching methods
Module prof. Bruni: The teaching will be based on frontal lessons delivered in the face-to-face classroom. The website of the module can be found on the MyAriel platform at the link https://myariel.unimi.it/course/view.php?id=12004.
Module Prof. Castellano: The teaching will be based on frontal lessons delivered in the face-to-face classroom. The website of the module can be found on the MyAriel platform.
Module Prof. Trasatti: The teaching will be based on frontal lessons delivered in the face-to-face classroom. The website of the module can be found on the MyAriel platform.
Module Prof. Castellano: The teaching will be based on frontal lessons delivered in the face-to-face classroom. The website of the module can be found on the MyAriel platform.
Module Prof. Trasatti: The teaching will be based on frontal lessons delivered in the face-to-face classroom. The website of the module can be found on the MyAriel platform.
Teaching Resources
Module prof. Bruni: The reference material is constituted by the slides of the lessons, made available on the web page of the course.
Module Prof. Castellano: The reference material is constituted by the slides of the lessons, made available on the web page of the course.
Module Prof. Trasatti: PDF, Powerpoint presentations or Videos will be utilized during the lessons and a copy of the didactic material will be available for the students.
Module Prof. Castellano: The reference material is constituted by the slides of the lessons, made available on the web page of the course.
Module Prof. Trasatti: PDF, Powerpoint presentations or Videos will be utilized during the lessons and a copy of the didactic material will be available for the students.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is based on a written test for each module, aimed to assess not only the acquired knowledge but also the capability of discussing critically a problem related to the subjects of the course.
The results of the test for each module are reported on the corresponding website.
The final mark is communicated through the electronic service Vweb.
The results of the test for each module are reported on the corresponding website.
The final mark is communicated through the electronic service Vweb.
Professor(s)
Reception:
on appointment
teacher's office at the Department of Chemistry