Chemical-Physical Methods for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
At the end of the course, the student will be able to: 1. Describe the chemical-physical mechanisms underlying: · the main modern methods of scientific investigation (spectroscopy, microscopy, image analysis) used to assess the state of conservation and recovery criteria of cultural heritage; · the alteration and stability of materials and artifacts of the main materials (stone, ceramic, metal, wood, and organic) used for the manufacture of cultural goods. 2. Identify, depending on the nature of the cultural goods and the invasiveness (destructive or non-destructive analysis) allowed by the artifact, the most appropriate analysis techniques to: · assess the state of conservation of cultural heritage · study the morphological-structural properties of the materials of which they are composed. Discuss the practical application of diagnostic investigation techniques, degradation from a chemical-physical perspective in case studies independently identified by the student.
Expected learning outcomes
The student becomes familiar with the physical quantities used as evaluation parameters for the conservation status and recovery criteria of cultural heritage, with particular reference to those of thermodynamics and phenomenological kinetics, rheology, spectroscopy, various types of microscopy, and image analysis.
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
The course is delivered partly synchronously and partly asynchronously. The didactic material (pptx files) is already uploaded on the dedicated ARIEL website. Such material also serves as an asynchronous lecture. During the scheduled lecture (synchronous part), students' doubts will be clarified. Synchronous lessons are delivered on the MS-Teams platform.
Course syllabus
1. (1 CFU - 8 h) The electromagnetic spectrum and the light-matter interaction: how quantum mechanics forms the basis of chemical-physical analysis and spectroscopy techniques; light sources and light control methods.
2. (1 CFU - 8 h) Principles of spectroscopic techniques and phenomena observed by UV-VIS, infrared, and Raman scattering spectroscopy. Case studies on the conservation of cultural heritage. An example of UV-Vis spectroscopy measurements in the classroom.
3. (1 CFU - 8 h) X-ray-based techniques: diffraction (XRD), absorption spectroscopy (XAS), fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). Reference to the primary neutron-based methods. Case studies on the conservation of cultural heritage. Mention of optical and electronic imaging.
4. (1 CFU - 8 h) Evaluation of degradation and aging according to the degradation mechanisms at play: thermal, photochemical, and chemical. Alteration and degradation. Prediction of the life expectancy of a cultural heritage item or one of its components. Slowing the degradation kinetics by controlling environmental parameters.
5. (1 CFU - 8 h) The main materials constituting cultural heritage, their stability, their main specific degradation and preservation processes: pigments and dyes (photochemical processes); glass (hydrolysis and ion exchange) and metal (corrosion, passivation and protection) products. The main organic and structural materials.
6. (1 CFU - 8 h) Discussion of case studies and laboratory analysis of samples carried out in class on analytical data on real artifacts.
2. (1 CFU - 8 h) Principles of spectroscopic techniques and phenomena observed by UV-VIS, infrared, and Raman scattering spectroscopy. Case studies on the conservation of cultural heritage. An example of UV-Vis spectroscopy measurements in the classroom.
3. (1 CFU - 8 h) X-ray-based techniques: diffraction (XRD), absorption spectroscopy (XAS), fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). Reference to the primary neutron-based methods. Case studies on the conservation of cultural heritage. Mention of optical and electronic imaging.
4. (1 CFU - 8 h) Evaluation of degradation and aging according to the degradation mechanisms at play: thermal, photochemical, and chemical. Alteration and degradation. Prediction of the life expectancy of a cultural heritage item or one of its components. Slowing the degradation kinetics by controlling environmental parameters.
5. (1 CFU - 8 h) The main materials constituting cultural heritage, their stability, their main specific degradation and preservation processes: pigments and dyes (photochemical processes); glass (hydrolysis and ion exchange) and metal (corrosion, passivation and protection) products. The main organic and structural materials.
6. (1 CFU - 8 h) Discussion of case studies and laboratory analysis of samples carried out in class on analytical data on real artifacts.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of mathematics, physics, and general chemistry.
Teaching methods
Lectures and seminars. Attendance to the lectures is highly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Lectures sides, provided by the professor and selected chapters of the textbooks:
"Scientific Methods and Cultural Heritage", G. Artioli, Oxford Press
"Elementi di Archeometria" A. Castellano, Egea
Scientific articles from the recent literature, provided during the lectures.
"Scientific Methods and Cultural Heritage", G. Artioli, Oxford Press
"Elementi di Archeometria" A. Castellano, Egea
Scientific articles from the recent literature, provided during the lectures.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The assessment method will consist of an oral test lasting approximately 45 minutes, aimed at assessing achievement of the expected learning outcomes. In particular, the oral test consists of a presentation, followed by a discussion. The presentation will focus on a case study independently identified by the student in recent scientific literature, concerning diagnostic and conservation studies of cultural heritage. Afterward, 2-3 open questions will be discussed regarding the theoretical and applied aspects of the course content.
The evaluation will be expressed on the Italian 30-point grading scale (trentesimi). The graduation of grades will be based on the following criteria:
18-21/30: indicates limited but sufficient knowledge and application skills;
22-25/30: represents a good understanding of the topics and a correct application of key concepts;
26-29/30: reflects in-depth knowledge, with good analytical skills and connections between the different aspects covered during the course;
30/30: demonstrates total mastery of the arguments, critical skills, and appropriate scientific language;
30/30 cum laude: in addition to the requirements of 30/30, it indicates excellent skills of synthesis, autonomous in-depth study, and critical discussion of both theoretical and applied aspects.
The evaluation will be expressed on the Italian 30-point grading scale (trentesimi). The graduation of grades will be based on the following criteria:
18-21/30: indicates limited but sufficient knowledge and application skills;
22-25/30: represents a good understanding of the topics and a correct application of key concepts;
26-29/30: reflects in-depth knowledge, with good analytical skills and connections between the different aspects covered during the course;
30/30: demonstrates total mastery of the arguments, critical skills, and appropriate scientific language;
30/30 cum laude: in addition to the requirements of 30/30, it indicates excellent skills of synthesis, autonomous in-depth study, and critical discussion of both theoretical and applied aspects.
Professor(s)
Reception:
All working days upon appointment
Chemistry Department, ground floow, wing B, office number R28