Cultural heritage
The study of the archaeological, historical and artistic heritage, as all the cross-disciplinary researches, generate a huge added value, both cultural and socio-economics. This is a key factor in a country like Italy. Provenance studies, technological characterization, authentication, studies of the decay patterns and conservation are carried out by a complete interdisciplinary team (chemists, conservation scientists, curators, archaeologists, restorers).
The study of the Cultural Heritage starts from a deep knowledge of modern materials, their manufacturing procedures and characterization methodologies. Thanks to these skills, it’s possible unveil the information hidden in ancient objects. Moreover, the preservation status of ancient, modern and contemporary artefacts can be defined, new restoration materials can be developed and new conservation strategies can be drowned up. The Department is also focused in the development of innovative analytical tools, strategies, methodologies respectable as possible of the integrity of the historical and artistic artefacts.
Research topics
METALS, GLASSES, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL STRONE MATERIALS
Metals
Characterization of the microstructure for technological production and diagnostic studies
(Baricco, Battezzati, Castellero, Rizzi)
Decay, conservation and preservation studies (Croveri, Poli).
Ceramics and porcelains
Technological characterization for manufactures and fabrics definition, surfaces treatments, firing, authentication and provenance evaluation (Agostino, Davit, Diana, Gulmini, Operti, Turco). Decay studies and conservation materials (Croveri).
Mortars, plasters and mural painting
Technological characterization: raw materials, firing, hydraulicity (Cerrato, Davit, Operti, Turco). Decay, consolidation and preservation. (Croveri, Poli, Scalarone).
Glasses and enamels
Destructive (Croveri, Davit, Gulmini) e non-invasive analyses for composition determination, chromophores, opacifiers; decay studies on mock-ups (Agostino, Operti).
Natural and artificial stone materials
Technological characterization of bricks (Davit, Operti, Turco). Decay, conservation and preservation studies (Croveri, Poli, Scalarone).
BINDERS, VARNISHES, PIGMENTS, DYES AND THEIR SUPPORTS
Miniature codex and parchments
Non-invasive and micro-invasive analytical procedure set-up for the characterization of dyes and pigments
(Davit, Gulmini, Agostino)
Easel paintings
Characterization of materials, decay studies and conservation
(Agostino, Croveri, Diana, Poli, Scalarone)
Historical textiles
Characterization, technological studies on production, provenance and authentication
(Davit, Gulmini)
Finishing treatments on historical musical instruments
Characterization, provenance, dating and authentication
(Davit, Gulmini)
Wood and paper
Characterization, provenance evaluation and authentication
(Agostino, Cerrato, Croveri, Diana)
MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY MATERIALS
Photographic and cinematographic materials
Characterization and conservation
(Agostino, Croveri, Diana, Poli)
Plastic materials
Characterization, decay studies on polymeric materials
(Chiantore, Poli, Scalarone)
Materials for the restoration and conservation
(Croveri, Poli, Scalarone)
PREVENTIVE CONSERVATION
Air quality in museum show-cases
Emission studies (VOCs) on museum artefacts and show-case materials; pollutants removal.
(Chiantore, Poli, Scalarone)
Analytical tools
- Electronic microscopies and microanalysis (SEM-EDS, TEM-EDS)
- Optical spectroscopies (FT-IR, UV-VIS-NIR, Raman)
- Colorimetry
- ICP-OES
- GC, GC/MS, Pyrolysis-GC/MS
- HPLC, various detectors
- Metallographic techniques
- XRD
- XRF
- NMR
- Optical microscopies
- Thermal analyses (DSC, TGA)
- Mechanical (tensile and compressive) tests
- Rheological analysis
- Measurement of the contact angle
- Preparation of polished sections
- UNI standard protocols for the evaluation of stone treatments
