Non-Invasive-Monitoring Methodology for the Evaluation of Environmental Impacts on Istrian Stone Surfaces in Venice

This work proposes a non-invasive, affordable, and easily reproducible methodology for monitoring limestone surfaces vulnerability. The proposed methodology integrates the study of environmental factors impacting limestone surfaces with physical–chemical and morphological observations of historical Istria stone surfaces in Venice. Pollutant trends of particulate matters (PPM), NO2, SO2, O3, and the meteorological forcing were considered over a 20-year period. To collect information on the conservation state of stone surfaces, visual, optical microscopy observation, chemical analysis via FT-IR-ATR spectroscopy, and the evaluation of morphological and profilometric parameters by digitalizing the surface of silicone molds were carried out. The surfaces of Ca’ Foscari, Ca’ Dolfin, and Garzoni Palace were monitored in 2015 and five years after. Indicators, such as site, sheltered or exposed position, and location of the stone surfaces, were taken into consideration for data interpretation. A relationship between surface conservation state and the proposed environmental indicators has been evaluated. Deposits and crusts were found only in the courtyard façade and in sheltered points, reflecting SO2 reduction; large, eroded areas were found on exposed surfaces related to rain runoff and possibly related to the locally high NOx levels

NMR characterization of animals’ follicular fluids

Follicular Fluid (FF) provides a special environment to the oocyte during its maturation in vivo. The FF is derived from the sanguineous plasma and secretions, synthesised in the follicle wall that contain a large variety of metabolites (1). These metabolites are probably involved in the physiology of the oocytes (1). The chemical composition of follicular fluids is important because it is an indicator of the secretory activities and metabolism of follicular cells and thus could be related to the follicular quality. It could also provide a useful indication of the oocyte growth and maturation (2). High Resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy provides a unique tool for studying metabolites. Initially, NMR spectroscopy was used mainly in biomedicine but it is found now in many physiological applications (3). As the NMR spectroscopy provides opportunities for obtaining qualitative and quantitative data from body fluids, it was hypothesized that this technique could provide information on mammals’ follicular fluid and on intrafollicular changes that occur during follicular growth and ovulation. As some of these changes are probably of crucial importance for oocyte developmental competence, a better knowledge of the mammals’ follicular fluid composition by 1H NMR analysis should help to resolve some of the problems encountered during in vitro procedures in the mammals. The characterization of the chemical composition of mammals follicular fluids, namely sheep, cattle, mare and pork, and the study of the changes observed during follicular growth and maturation using NMR spectroscopy will be presented. FF samples were collected from antral follicle of different dimensions. One-dimensional (1D) 1H experiments (CPMG, DOSY) were obtained for all the FF samples. In addition, several two dimensional (2D) (homo and heteronuclear) experiments (DQF-COSY, TOCSY, JRES, 1H-13C HSQC) were performed to aid in the assignment of the signals and in the identification of the metabolites in FF. A direct evaluation of the lipids, carbohydrates and metabolites were obtained from the combination of the 1D and 2D NMR experiments

Interactive Learning Method of Cultural Heritage for Europeanization in the Danube Region – ILMECH

The project will contribute to raising awareness of tangible (TCH) and intangible (ICH) cultural heritage of Danube Region (DR) by providing modern and innovative tools for teaching its essence to youth. In the DR there is a lack of a common European identity due to the historical, economic, and political backgrounds. The integration process has been slowed down due to the political instability and different development among the countries of the area. Youth, that will become the future European citizens and the real prospective for the development of their countries, are not much influenced by the memories remaining of the turbulent past of DR. Therefore, they are a sensible target to achieve an Europeanization of this area. To reach this aim, the project will introduce a common and interactive didactic method for the whole DR that teaches to high school pupils the proper value of their TCH and ICH in order to achieve an Europeanization prospective. This method includes “From practice to the theory” approach, “Do it yourself” experience and integration of innovative augmented reality ICT tools (3D reconstruction, educational videos and games). Moreover, the project will provide a web platform in which e-learning courses, free documentation regarding the didactic method developed, ICT tools database and guidelines on their use will be available. Dissemination action among schools will be carried out in order to promote the use of the proposed materials

Behaviour of brick-NHL render systems in presence of NaCl solution

Double-layer renders were formulated for ensuring salt migration, ancient masonries conservation and environmental sustainability. Thus, natural hydraulic lime as binder and recycled aggregates from render wastes were selected. The properties were adjusted by adding an air-entraining agent in the inner layer and different percentages of water-repellent admixtures in the outer layer. The systems were applied on bricks and subjected to rising damp-evaporation cycles, for investigating their behaviour and properties in respect to NaCl migration. Mono-material prismatic render specimens were also studied. Water vapour permeability, capillary absorption, drying behaviour, compressive strength, mechanical resistance, conductivity and porosity of each formulation were evaluated. Good durability was observed whenever the render layers had different microstructure, either there was salts deposition within the lower layer,or if there was efflorescences formation. If the layers had similar structure, deposition of salt at the brick-render interface occurred causing damages to the substrate

Distribution of nanosilica dispersions in Lecce stone

The aim of the present work is to study the application of four water-based nanosilica dispersions on carbonate rocks in terms of penetration depth, particle dimensions, physical-chemical characteristics of dispersions and stone pore radius distribution. In order to have a complete background, preliminary investigations of untreated Lecce stone and nanosilica dispersions were performed considering different parameters (e.g. porosity, viscosity, surface tension, pH, zeta potential) and TEM observations of the dispersions. Different treatments of Lecce stone were tested and studied by EDX-SEM microscopy. Silicon elemental mapping and distribution profiles were registered on samples with EDX technique. Despite the low viscosity and small dimensions of nanosilica particles, the products seemed unable to deeply penetrate in the porous substrate. However, changes in surface tension of dispersions showed an improvement of the nanodispersions transport inside the stone

Rising damp in historical buildings: A Venetian perspective

Considering several real case studies, moisture distribution due to rising damp in Venetian brick masonries is discussed and empirical models are developed. Moisture content and soluble salt data of 25 historical buildings in Venice are analysed. Data are scrutinized using statistical methods, obtaining contour plots and estimating the validity of linear and non-linear models. The models confirm that masonries are usually soaked with water till 120–150 cm over sea level, while the evaporation zone ranges in height from 200 cm to 350 cm. In the perpendicular section, moisture distribution depends on several contingent factors such as, among them, the proximity and the exposition of the external façades to the water action

Stucco Forte in Venice between the 16th and 17th centuries: the case study of Addolorata Chapel stuccoes in San Pantalon´s Church

Stucco samples of the 17th century were collected from the Addolorata Chapel in San Pantalon's church, which represents an important example of the stucco forte technique in Venice. Stucco forte is usually made adding powdered lime and marble to the gypsum base mixture. However, the exact recipe remain in most cases still unknown as often related to the knowledge and experience of the artisans [1]. The aim of the present work is to characterize and study the chemical-physical composition, the working techniques and the conservation state of the stucco forte in Venice. The samples were subjected to optical and electrical microscopic observation (OM, SEM-EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DSC), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). Gypsum, and calcium carbonate were found as major components with presence of magnesium carbonate and traces of hydromagnesite. Magnesite and hydromagnesite do not develop within the normal carbonation processes suggesting that magnesium carbonate was intentionally employed for improving the material characteristics

Stucco Forte in Venice between the 16th and 17th centuries: the case study of Addolorata Chapel stuccoes in San Pantalon´s Church

Stucco samples of the 17th century were collected from the Addolorata Chapel in San Pantalon's church, which represents an important example of the stucco forte technique in Venice. Stucco forte is usually made adding powdered lime and marble to the gypsum base mixture. However, the exact recipe remain in most cases still unknown as often related to the knowledge and experience of the artisans [1]. The aim of the present work is to characterize and study the chemical-physical composition, the working techniques and the conservation state of the stucco forte in Venice. The samples were subjected to optical and electrical microscopic observation (OM, SEM-EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DSC), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). Gypsum, and calcium carbonate were found as major components with presence of magnesium carbonate and traces of hydromagnesite. Magnesite and hydromagnesite do not develop within the normal carbonation processes suggesting that magnesium carbonate was intentionally employed for improving the material characteristics

A Comprehensive and Systematic Diagnostic Campaign for a New Acquisition of Contemporary Art—The Case of Natura Morta by Andreina Rosa (1924–2019) at the International Gallery of Modern Art Ca’ Pesaro, Venice

A multi-analytical approach has been employed to investigate the painting Natura Morta (1954–1955) by Andreina Rosa (1924–2019) to assess the state of conservation and to understand more about the painting materials and techniques of this artwork, which was recently donated by the painter’s heirs to the International Gallery of Modern Art Ca’ Pesaro (Venice-Italy). A comprehensive and systematic diagnostic campaign was carried out, mainly adopting non-invasive imaging and spectroscopic methods, such as technical photography, optical microscopy, Hyperspectral Imaging Spectroscopy (HIS), fiber optics reflectance spectroscopy (FORS), External Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ER-FTIR), and Raman spectroscopies. Microsamples, collected from the edges of the canvas in areas partially detached, were studied by Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). By crossing the information gained, it was possible to make inferences about the composition of the groundings and the painted layers, the state of conservation of the artwork, and the presence of degradation phenomena. Hence, the present study may be of interest for conservation purposes as well as for enhancing the artistic activity of Andreina Rosa. The final aim was to provide useful information for the Gallery which recently included this painting in its permanent collection

EVALUATION OF ECO-COMPATIBLE METHODOLOGIES TO CLEAN STONE SURFACES POLLUTED BY OIL SPILL

This research concerns the structuring of a suitable method for the removal of oil (Fuel Oil 120 cSt) from traditional bricks and Istrian Stone, materials commonly found amongst embankments and buildings of North Adriatic coastal cities. A cleaning protocol, based upon non-toxic products, was developed in consideration of its compatibility with historical, architectural surfaces. The contamination effects of oil on Istrian stone and fired clay bricks was studied, followed by a range of cleaning treatments using bulk sorbents, surfactant solutions and N, N-dimethyl-octanamide. The application was executed using the products singularly, combined or in succession. The succession of sorbent, solvent and surfactant solution demonstrated good capability of removal and was then applied on macrosamples of brick masonry showing good results