37485 - Chemical Methods of Examining Cultural Property

Academic Year 2019/2020

  • Docente: Silvia Prati
  • Credits: 6
  • SSD: CHIM/12
  • Language: English
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Ravenna
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Science for the Conservation-Restoration of Cultural Heritage (cod. 8537)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will acquire knowledge concerning the non destructive and microdestructive methods for the analyses of cultural heritage materials. The student will be able to: - be acquainted with the non destructive and micro destructive methods used for the characterization of pigments, binding media and degradation products on different cultural heritage supports; - be acquainted with the most advanced sample preparation techniques used for the preparation of cross sections; be able to define a suitable analytical protocol for the investigation of artistic materials.

Course contents

  • Advanced non destructive techniques
  • Cross sections preparation
  • FTIR microscopy: principles and advanced set up
  • Raman microscopy: principles and advanced set up
  • Immuno based methods: principles and advanced set up
  • 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, R. Mazzeo, A.Moles. Chemistry for restoration, Nardini editore, Firenze 2016.

    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 videos

    Assessment methods

    The final exam consists of a discussion on the topics covered in class, aimed at the evaluation of the theoretical knowledge acquired during the course, the possession of a specific language and the acquisition of an organic vision of the topics covered in class.
    Good or excellent grades can be achieved by students who demonstrate a critical knowledge of the subject, who are able to apply theoretical concepts to practical examples and make use of an appropriate language. Mostly mnemonic knowledge, limited abilities of synthesis and analysis and imprecise language lead to grades ranging from discrete to sufficient. Important gaps, inappropriate language, lack of an overview of the topics covered will inevitably lead to a barely adeguate grade or to a negative evaluation.

    Teaching tools

    PC, projectors

    Office hours

    See the website of Silvia Prati

    SDGs

    Sustainable cities

    This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.