72833 - Advanced Chemical Diagnosis of Heritage Materials

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will acquire knowledge concerning the micro-methods suitable for the micro-destructive characterization of both the organic and inorganic components constituting art and archaeological objects of art. In particular the student will be acquainted with the most advanced sample preparation techniques and microchemical methods used for the characterization of micro samples of historical interest.

Course contents

The course consists of an initial introductory section aimed at presenting the chemical properties of the main organic and inorganic substances of historical and artistic interest, with a particular focus on painting materials (pigments/dyes, binders, inert components, varnishes).

The chemical composition, properties, and degradation processes of these materials will be described.

The second part of the course will be dedicated to the presentation of advanced diagnostic techniques used in the study of polychrome artifacts. The principles of each technique will be explained, along with the advantages and limitations of the different approaches, and examples of applications will be presented. Below is the list of techniques that will be covered:

• Advanced non-destructive techniques

• Methods for preparing cross-sections

• FTIR microscopy: principles and advanced setups

• Raman microscopy: principles and advanced setups

• Immunological techniques: principles and advanced setups

Readings/Bibliography

Lectures' slides

Reference tests (not compulsory!):

Scientific examination for the investigation of paintings. A handbook for conservator-restorers. D. Pinna. M. Galeotti, R. Mazzeo (Ed). 2009, Centro Di, Firenze

Mills , R. White R. Organic material in museum objects , 2d ed.Oxford , Butterworth Heinemann , 1999

M.Matteini, A.Moles. La chimica del restauro.I materiali dell'arte pittorica, Nardini editore, Firenze 1993, 3° edizione

S. Prati, E. Joseph, G. Sciutto, R. Mazzeo ; New advances in the application of FTIR microscopy and spectroscopy for the characterization of artistic materials. Accounts of Chemical Research 792-801, June 2010, Vol. 43, n.6.

S. Prati, G. Sciutto, E. Catelli, A. Ashashina, R. Mazzeo,; Development of innovative embedding procedures for the analyses of paint cross sections in ATR FITR microscopy, Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2013, 405, 895-905.

S. Prati, F. Rosi, G. Sciutto, P. Oliveri, E. Catelli, C. Miliani, R. Mazzeo, Evaluation of the effect of different paint cross section preparation methods on the performances of Fourier Transformed Infrared Microscopy in Total Reflection mode, Microchemical Journal, 2013, 110, 314-319

Teaching methods

The course will consist of classroom lectures with PowerPoint presentations and video screenings. To encourage active student participation and meaningful learning, activities such as critical reading of scientific articles and group work in class will be proposed, guided by the instructor using the peer instruction method.

Assessment methods

The final exam consists of an oral interview on the topics covered during the course. It aims to assess the acquired knowledge, critical and methodological skills, specific terminology, and an overall understanding of the subjects discussed.

The ability to present concepts with fluency, excellent command of language, strong integration of acquired knowledge, and critical thinking will be rewarded with top grades (30 cum laude – 29).

Thorough knowledge of the concepts and good language skills, even if some support from the instructor is needed to make connections between topics, will result in high to mid-range grades (28–26).

Primarily rote memorization, limited analytical and summarizing skills, and/or language that is not always appropriate will lead to grades ranging from satisfactory to sufficient (25–20).

Significant gaps in knowledge and inadequate language use will result in a barely passing grade (18) if a minimal factual foundation is demonstrated, or a failing grade in the case of more serious deficiencies.

Teaching tools

PC, projector

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Prati