70867 - Diagnostics and degradation of ceramic and stone materials

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will have knowledge regarding the properties of the main natural stones (granites, marbles, sandstones) and of the artificial stones (mortar, plaster, terracotta and ancient pottery) and regarding the causes and the processes of deterioration of stone materials employed in artworks. In particular, it is able to: - know the characteristics and resistance to degradation of the main natural stones used for the realization of artworks; - distinguish and classify the causes and occurrence of physical, chemical and biological degradation of stone materials; - know the properties and the degradation problems of mortar, plaster, stucco, architectural terracotta and ceramic materials used in the archaeological and architectural field; - apply the Norms UNI 11182 in the activities of the restoration site.

Course contents

Main natural stone materials (e.g., Marbles, Limestones, Granites, Tuff) and their main mineral-petrographic and physical-mechanical characteristics justifying their widespread use in Cultural Heritage.

Artificial stone materials (mortars, plasters, bricks, ceramics) and their main mineral-petrographic characteristics: from the selection of raw materials, to the production processes, to the final use.

Description of the most common degradation forms affecting natural and artificial stone materials in the subaerial and underwater environment. Decay classification according to UNI 11182 Standards, ICOMOS glossary, Fitzner method. Insights into specific processes such as sulfation with related products such as black crusts, and salt crystallization.

The effects of climate change on degradation processes: sustainability and conservation of Cultural Heritage according to the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda. Specifically: Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities and target 11.4 "to strengthen commitments to protect and safeguard the cultural and natural heritage of the world "; Goal 12 target 12.b “to develop and apply tools aimed at monitoring sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism ... "; Goal 13 “to fight against climate change”.

Application of mineralogical/petrographic analytical methods for the study and specific characterization of the degradation forms such as optical microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, FT-IR through practical experiences and the presentation of related study cases.

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching material and the slides used as support during the lessons, will be available on the Unibo platform “Virtuale”.

Amoroso G., Trattato di Scienza della Conservazione dei Monumenti, Alinea Ed., 2006.

Artioli G., Scientific Methods and Cultural Heritage: an Introduction to the Application of Materials Science to Archaeometry and Conservation Science, Oxford University press, 2010.

Borrelli E., Conservation of Architectural Heritage, Historic Structures and Materials, ICCROM eds., 1999.

Caneva G. et al., La Biologia Vegetale per i Beni Culturali – Vol. I. Biodeterioramento e Conservazione, Nardini Ed., 2007.

Des Barker B. et al., Conservation Science: Heritage Materials, Cambridge Royal Society of Chemistry Ed., 2006.

Hodges H., Artifacts. Duckworth London, ISBN 978-0715623169, 2009.

Matteini M. e Moles A., Scienza e restauro: metodi di indagine, Nardini Ed., 1984.

Ingham J.P., Geomaterials under the microscope. Academic Press, 2013.

Orton C. et al., Pottery in archaeology. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 798-0-521-44597-9, 1993.

Teaching methods

The course includes lessons, practical activities, and visits to monuments where describing and mapping the decay processes.

 

Considering the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, the attendance of this training activity requires the performance of all students of Modules 1 and 2 [https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute- e-assistance / health-and-safety / safety-and-health-in-study-places-and-internship] and participation in Modules 3 and 4 of specific training on safety and health in study places. Information on the dates and methods of attendance of the specific training modules can be consulted in the appropriate section of the study course website.

Assessment methods

Final oral exam on the topics studied during the course also including a practical test on the degradation forms identification.

Teaching tools

PC, laptop and digital projector for Power Point presentations and viewing of images and videos during practical exercises aimed at the recognition of degradation forms. Rock samples at the mesoscopic scale, and thin section samples of natural and artificial stones to be observed by means of a transmitted polarized light microscope.

Office hours

See the website of Natalia Rovella

See the website of Gian Carlo Grillini