Protective treatment of stone materials
University of Calabria
Reference Teacher: Michela Ricca
Teacher(s): Michela Ricca, Silvestro Antonio Ruffolo, Mauro Francesco La Russa
1) Overview of the main types of stone building materials, natural and artificial, and possible alteration/degradation forms; 2) Classification of products with protective and/or consolidating properties (i.e., organic, inorganic, etc.); 3) Products with antifouling action, biocides, and nano-materials in Cultural Heritage; 4) Traditional products and new green perspectives; salt crystallization inhibitory products, etc.; 5) Evaluation of the products (protective and/or consolidating) according to the type of stone material and the damage forms; 6) Laboratory tests according to regulations (treatments on specimens, contact angle, colorimetry, absorption, etc.) and data processing.
Single-cycle master’s degree in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage (including Underwater Cultural heritage).
The students will acquire knowledge of the main classes of protective and consolidating products used to treat stone materials. In relation to the different types of rock used in the context of Cultural Heritage and the most common forms of deterioration, students will be provided with theoretical as well as technical-practical knowledge on how to conduct a protective treatment starting from the testing of products and treatments in the laboratory, following the analytical process required by current legislation on the matter.
The students will also acquire knowledge on the different properties of products used in the field of restoration and already widely consolidated, considering their nature, organic or inorganic, their limits and advantages, etc.; the knowledge of the most recent innovations in the sector with references to nanotechnologies, green conservation, and eco-sustainable products; and also, the knowledge relating to laboratory tests to define the performance of the various products.
The course is both theoretical and practical. In particular, thanks to the laboratory activities, the students will be able to put the theoretical knowledge acquired into practice. In particular, the students will acquire practical skills in evaluating the suitability and effectiveness of protective and consolidating products for different types of stone materials and specific forms of damage. They will conduct laboratory tests according to established regulations, applying treatments to stone specimens and measuring outcomes using techniques like contact angle measurement, colorimetry, and absorption testing. Additionally, students will learn to process and interpret the data obtained from these tests to inform conservation strategies.
Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate the effectiveness of various protective and/or consolidating products on different stone materials, both in terrestrial and underwater environments. They will evaluate case studies and current regulations to determine best practices for the protection of stone materials in cultural heritage. Additionally, they will interpret laboratory test results to make decisions about the most appropriate treatments to address specific conservation challenges. They will also be able to critically analyse information from different literary sources.
Students will improve their ability to communicate concepts related to the conservation and protection of stone materials. Through literature, they will practice dealing with different case studies and research results, to understand the ongoing challenges faced in the conservation and protection of stone materials in the context of cultural heritage. Furthermore, they will be able to communicate in different contexts the results of the study carried out, the skills acquired, to work in teams, to operate autonomously, and to easily integrate into restoration sites.
The course will direct students to conduct research independently starting from the scientific literature, and to stay updated on the progress and challenges in protective and/or consolidating treatments for the protection of stone materials. They will improve their problem-solving skills by addressing the challenges encountered during the evaluation and application of innovative products. Students will also acquire the ability to work in a team, to work in an interdisciplinary group promoting the exchange of skills.
Good knowledge of stone materials and common degradation forms. Basic knowledge of traditional chemical products/compounds, of organic and inorganic nature, and applications in cultural heritage and restoration.
Lectures, seminars, field excursions, laboratory.
The learning assessment will take place through a final oral exam with a vote expressed out of thirty. When evaluating the exam, the following will be taken into account: a) the properties of the scientific language; b) the level of detail of the notions acquired; c) expository clarity and ability to connect the thematic units and the case studies; d) mastery of the subject. The exam will be considered passed with a sufficient evaluation (18/30) on the three teaching units of the program. Sufficient evaluation means that the student will have acquired the minimum contents of the program, exposing them simply and correctly and with suitable language properties. An excellent rating (30/30 with honors) will be assigned to students who demonstrate a broad and in-depth knowledge of the program contents, with an excellent ability to summarize and connect thematic units and case studies.
The innovative aspects of this course lie in addressing topics regarding new green perspectives for the development of protective and consolidating products for both terrestrial and underwater environments. In the field of conservation and restoration of cultural heritage, greening practices such as the use of sustainable materials aim to improve environmental sustainability, choosing materials, methods and technologies that have a low impact on the environment and humans. During the course, students will acquire basic knowledge of this constantly evolving field of research.
The expected learning outcomes can contribute to the achievements of the following goals: Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; Goal 13: Climate Action; Goal 14: Life below water; Goal 15: Life on land.
To attend the course “Protective treatment of stone materials” at the University of Calabria, you have two options:
Enroll in the Master’s Degree Program
The course is part of the Conservation and Restoration Master’s Degree Program (Single-Cycle, 5-year). To attend it, you must apply and be admitted to the relevant Master’s degree, then include the course in your study plan.
More information at the following link: https://www.unical.it/didattica/iscriversi-studiare-laurearsi/ammissione-1-anno/conservazione-restauro/?lang=en
Register for the Individual Course
If you already hold a university degree, you can apply to take this course as a single learning activity without enrolling in the full degree program. You will attend classes, take the exam, and earn credits (CFU), which may be recognized later if you enroll in the full program.
More information at the following link: https://www.unical.it/didattica/iscriversi-studiare-laurearsi/iscrizioni-anni-successivi/?lang=en
Foreign students, both EU and non-EU, can find detailed admission requirements and procedures in the “Guidebook for Foreign Students”: https://www.unical.it/didattica/iscriversi-studiare-laurearsi/ammissione-1-anno/guidebook_foreign_students_aa2425/?lang=en
For further information or specific inquiries, you may contact the “Educational Services Area” of the University of Calabria using the contact details and methods provided at the following link: https://www.unical.it/didattica/iscriversi-studiare-laurearsi/contatta-i-servizi-didattici/?lang=en
– Stone materials, forms of damage and possible protective/consolidating treatments applicable to cultural heritage;
– From Diagnosis to Restoration: operational phases (pre-consolidation, cleaning, consolidation, protection, maintenance, etc.);
– Difference between protective and consolidating;
– Traditional protectants and consolidants compared with new generation products (“green” products; nanomaterials, bio-consolidants, bio-bacteria, etc.).
– Case studies and current regulations in the field of protection of stone materials in cultural heritage. Open-Class exercises.
Differences between different types of protective products and evaluation of their effectiveness on stone specimens through laboratory tests. Tools and methods for reprocessing data. Report on laboratory activities.
- Il restauro della pietra. Lorenzo Lazzarini, Marisa Laurenzi Tabasso. Editore: Utet Scienze Tecniche.
- PPTs, scientific articles, and insights provided by the teachers.