Provenance of white marbles from the Roman City of tauriana (Palmi, Reggio Calabria, Italy)

The work shows the results of an archaeometric study performed on fourteen white marble samples from the Roman city of Tauriana (Palmi, Reggio Calabria, Italy), belonging to different architectural elements of the Municipal Museum Complex and artifacts reused in the modern town. Samples were studied by optical microscopy (OM), x-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) of13C and18O with the aim to identify their provenance. The comparison between the collected data and the historical ones, concerning the ancient quarries of white marble of the Mediterranean area, allowed us to prove that most of the marbles used in the city of Tauriana were from the Apuan Alps Basin (Carrara) and, in few cases, from Minor Asia (Proconnesos, Aphrodisias, Docimium) and Greek (Thasos and Pentelic) quarries

First evidence of wulfenite in Calabria Region (Southern Italy)

This data article contains mineralogical and chemical data of the wulfenite (PbMoO4) sampled from mine of Fiumarella in Calabria region (Southern Italy). Wulfenite is a rare mineral belonging to the class of minerals called molybdates and if found in large amounts it can be used for the extraction of molybdenum. In the mine of Fiumarella, in addition to primary minerals such as barite, galena, cerussite, anglesite, fluorite and chalcopyrite, wulfenite was also detected. Wulfenite crystals are bipyramidal, few microns in size and grow as single crystals that can reach 1 mm. Methods for obtaining the data sets include optical microscopy, micro X-Ray Fluorescence and micro-Raman spectroscopy

Tribological behavior of AA1050H24-graphene nanocomposite obtained by friction stir processing

The tribological behavior of a new composite material containing graphene nanosheets (GNS) is presented. The composite material was obtained by Friction Stir Processing, using as metallic matrix the AA1050-H24 alloy. Different tool rotation and advancing speeds were tested in friction stir processing (FSP). The worn surfaces of obtained materials were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Raman spectroscopy demonstrated that graphene reinforcements are successfully mixed into the aluminum matrix. The results proved the feasibility of using GNSs to obtain nanocomposites by FSP. The coefficient of friction of the aluminum alloy was 0.57, decreasing to 0.38 for the nanocomposite GNSs/AA1050. These values decrease for samples obtained at lower tool rotation speeds. The weight losses of the composites are less than that of unreinforced AA1050-H24 alloy for conditions with lower advancing speeds (40 and 60 mm/min) and 1120 rpm. © 2018 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland

Application of Raman Spectroscopy in Comparison Between Cryptic Microbialites of Recent Marine Caves and Triassic Patch Reefs

Accepted for publication in PALAIOS as of 16 Aug 2019.University of Calabria grant MIUR (ex 60% 2017)

Archaeometric approach for studying architectural earthenwares from the archaeological site of s. Omobono (Rome-Italy)

This paper reports the findings of an archaeometric study performed on 14 architectural earthenwares from the archaeological site of S. Omobono, located in the historic center of Rome (Italy). The archaeological site, accidentally discovered in 1937, includes the remains of a sacred area previously occupied by two temples, one of which was converted into the church of S. Omobono, in 1575. The samples, dated between the 7th and the 6th century BC, belong to different sectors of the site. Their petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical characterization was performed by optical microscopy (OM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA), and Raman spectroscopy (RS). The compositional data obtained were also subjected to the principal component analysis (PCA) in order to highlight similarities and differences among the samples. By combining geochemical and petrographic data, we were able to identify several different fabrics. Furthermore, the study provided valuable information on the firing temperatures of some samples and the provenance of the raw materials, by analyzing the chemical composition of clinopyroxenes present as non-plastic inclusions. View Full-Tex

A petro-chemical study of ancient mortars from the archaeological site of Kyme (Turkey)

Fourteen samples of ancient mortars (joint mortars and plasters) from the archaeological site of Kyme (Turkey) were studied by optical microscopy (OM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) and micro- Raman spectroscopy to obtain information about their composition.The study allowed us to identify a new type of plaster inside the archaeological site of Kyme, not detected by previous studies of this site, in which vegetable fibers were intentionally added to the mixture. The combination of a petrographic analysis on thin sections by polarized light microscopy with a chemical analysis, has allowed us to highlight similarities and differences between the mortars and to get information about the evolution of constructive techniques in the archaeological area

Effect of Mn doping on the growth and properties of enstatite single crystals

Millimetric Mn-doped enstatite (MgSiO3) crystals have been grown by slow cooling in MoO3, V2O5, and Li2CO3 flux. Six starting mixture with different amount of manganese were slowly cooled from 1350 °C, 1050 °C and 950 °C down to 750 °C, 650 °C and 600 °C respectively. The enstatite crystals were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectrometry (SEM/EDS). Mn-doped enstatite crystals were reddish in color, euhedral and elongate parallel to c-axis. The largest enstatite crystal obtained is 8.5 mm in length. The effects of growth parameters on yield and size of crystals were studied. Variations observed in crystal size were attributed to the amount of Mn doping. Further characterizations by μ-Raman spectroscopy (μ-R) and cathodoluminescence (CL) allowed to study the effect of Mn doping on some chemical/physical characteristics of the enstatite and to assess its potential in advanced technological applications

Mineralogical, petrographic and chemical analyses for the study of the canvas "Cristo alla Colonna" from Cosenza, Italy : a case study

A multi-technique study on materials used for the painting "Cristo alla Colonna" by Luigi Bria (private collection, Cosenza, Italy) was carried out for the first time during the restoration plan. Pigments, binder media and raw materials used for the application of ground and priming layers were studied using optical (OM) and electronic microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy qualitative microanalysis (SEM-EDS), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The goal of this study was to characterize this canvas and to set up a scientific aid and guide for its restoration, taking into account the, severe damage not exclusively due to natural decay processes. Our data can provide information about historical and stylistic background as well as advises for correct planning of the cleaning procedures. Riassunto - II dipinto su tela "Cristo alla Colonna", opera di Luigi Bria (collezione privata, Cosenza, Italia), \ue8 stato sottoposto, durante le fasi di restauro, per la prima volta ad indagine strumentale tramite varie tecniche analitiche. I pigmenti, i leganti ed altri materiali utilizzati per la sua realizzazione sono stati analizzati tramite microscopia ottica (OM), microscopia elettronica e microanalisi tramite spettrometria a dispersione di energia (SEM-EDS), spettroscopia infrarossa (FTIR) e gascromatografia accoppiata spettrometria di massa (CG/MS). Lo scopo del lavoro \ue8 stato quello di offrire una caratterizzazione dell'opera pittorica, nonch\ue9 fornire un supporto scientifico ad un un corretto intervento di restauro su un'opera fortemente degradata. I risultati hanno permesso di fornire informazioni di natura storico-artistico nonch\ue9 informazioni utili ad un corretto intervento di pulitura della tela oggetto di questo studio

Microclimate monitoring of Ariadne's house (Pompeii, Italy) for preventive conservation of fresco paintings

Background: Ariadne's house, located at the city center of ancient Pompeii, is of great archaeological value due to the fresco paintings decorating several rooms. In order to assess the risks for long-term conservation affecting the valuable mural paintings, 26 temperature data-loggers and 26 relative humidity data-loggers were located in four rooms of the house for the monitoring of ambient conditions. Results: Data recorded during 372 days were analyzed by means of graphical descriptive methods and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results revealed an effect of the roof type and number of walls of the room. Excessive temperatures were observed during the summer in rooms covered with transparent roofs, and corrective actions were taken. Moreover, higher humidity values were recorded by sensors on the floor level. Conclusions: The present work provides guidelines about the type, number, calibration and position of thermohygrometric sensors recommended for the microclimate monitoring of mural paintings in outdoor or semi-confined environments. © 2012 Merello et al.; licensee Chemistry Central Ltd.This work was partially supported by the Spanish Government (Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion) under projects HAR2010-21944-C02-01 and HAR2010-21944-C02-02.Merello Giménez, P.; García Diego, FJ.; Zarzo Castelló, M. (2012). Microclimate monitoring of Ariadne's house (Pompeii, Italy) for preventive conservation of fresco paintings. Chemistry Central Journal. 6:145-161. https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-153X-6-145S1451616Ribera A, Olcina M, Ballester C: Pompeya Bajo Pompeya, las Excavaciones en la Casa de Ariadna. Valencia: Fundación MARQ; 2007.World Monuments Fund: World Monuments Watch: 100 Most Endangered Sites. New York: World Monuments Fund; 1996.Anter KF: Colours in Pompeiian cityscape: Adding pieces to the puzzle. Color Res Appl 2006,31(4):331–340.Harris J: Protecting Pompeii and the Italian heritage in 2012. http://www.i-italy.org/bloggers/18935/protecting-pompeii-and-italian-heritage-2012Augusti S: La Tecnica Dell’antica Pittura Parietale Pompeiana. Napoli: Gaetano Macchiaroli Editore; 1950.Miriello D, Barca D, Bloise A, Ciarallo A, Crisci GM, De Rose T, Gattuso C, Gazineo F, La Russa MF: Characterisation of archaeological mortars from Pompeii (Campania, Italy) and identification of construction phases by compositional data analysis. J Arch Sci 2010, 37:2207–2223.Castriota M, Cosco V, Barone T, De Santo G, Carafa P, Cazzanelli E: Micro-Raman characterizations of Pompei’s mortars. J Raman Spectrosc 2008,39(2):295–301.Maguregui M, Knuutinen U, Castro K, Madariaga JM: Raman spectroscopy as a tool to diagnose the impact and conservation state of Pompeian second and fourth style wall paintings exposed to diverse environments (House of Marcus Lucretius). J Raman Spectrosc 2010,41(11):1400–1409.Genestar C, Pons C, Más A: Analytical characterisation of ancient mortars from the archaeological Roman city of Pollentia (Balearic Islands, Spain). Anal Chim Acta 2006, 557:373–379.Duran A, Perez-Maqueda LA, Poyato J, Perez-Rodriguez JL: A thermal study approach to roman age wall painting mortars. J Therm Anal Calorim 2010,99(3):803–809.Pérez MC, García Diego F-J, Merello P, D’Antoni P, Fernández Navajas A, Ribera Lacomba A, Ferrazza L, Pérez Miralles J, Baró JL, Merce P, D’Antoni H, Curiel Esparza J: Ariadne’s house (Pompeii, Italy) wall paintings: a multidisciplinary study of its present state focused on a future restoration and preventive conservation. Mater Constr in pressBernardi A: Microclimate in the British Museum. London. Museum Manag Curat 1990, 9:169–182.Bernardi A, Camuffo D: Microclimate in the Chiericati Palace Municipal Museum. Vicenza. Museum Manag Curat 1995, 14:5–18.Camuffo D, Bernardi A, Sturaro G, Valentino A: The microclimate inside the Pollaiolo and Botticelli rooms in the Uffizi Gallery. Florence. J Cult Herit 2002, 3:155–161.La Gennusa M, Rizzo G, Scaccianoce G, Nicoletti F: Control of indoor environments in heritage buildings: Experimental measurements in an old Italian museum and proposal of a methodology. J Cult Herit 2005,6(2):147–155.Camuffo D, Sturaro G, Valentino A: Thermodynamic exchanges between the external boundary layer and the indoor microclimate at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, Italy: the problem of conservation of ancient works of art. Bound Lay Meteorol 1999, 92:243–262.Tabunschikov Y, Brodatch M: Indoor air climate requirements for Russian churches and cathedrals. Indoor Air 2004,14(Suppl 7):168–174.Loupa G, Charpantidou E, Kioutsioukis I, Rapsomanikis S: Indoor microclimate, ozone and nitrogen oxides in two medieval churches in Cyprus. Atmos Environ 2006, 40:7457–7466.Vuerich E, Malaspina F, Barazutti M, Georgiadis T, Nardino M: Indoor measurements of microclimate variables and ozone in the church of San Vincenzo (Monastery of Bassano Romano – Italy): a pilot study. Microchem J 2008, 88:218–223.García-Diego F-J, Zarzo M: Microclimate monitoring by multivariate statistical control: the renaissance frescoes of the cathedral of valencia (Spain). J Cult Herit 2010,11(3):339–344.Zarzo M, Fernández-Navajas A, García-Diego F-J: Long-term monitoring of fresco paintings in the Cathedral of Valencia (Spain) through humidity and temperature sensors in various locations for preventive conservation. Sensors 2011,11(9):8685–8710.Maekawa S, Lambert F, Meyer J: Environmental monitoring at Tiwanaku. Mater Res Soc Symp Proc 1995, 352:885–892.Lillie M, Smith R, Reed J, Inglis R: Southwest Scottish Crannogs: using in situ studies to assess preservation in wetland archaeological contexts. J Archaeol Sci 2008,35(7):1886–1900.Verdecchia F, Zoccatelli C, Norelli E, Miandro R: Integrated monitoring network for surface deformation in Capo Colonna archaeological area, Crotone. Italy. IAHS-AISH P 2010, 339:345–351.Nava S, Becherini F, Bernardi A, Bonazza A, Chiari M, García-Orellana I, Lucarelli F, Ludwig N, Migliori A, Sabbioni C, Udisti R, Valli G, Vecchi R: An integrated approach to assess air pollution threats to cultural heritage in a semi-confined environment: the case study of Michelozzo’s Courtyard in Florence (Italy). Sci Total Environ 2010,408(6):1403–1413.Hygrochron Temperature/Humidity Logger iButton with 8KB Data-Log Memory. Maxim Integrated Products. http://datasheets.maxim-ic.com/en/ds/DS1923.pdfTemperature Logger iButton with 8KB Data-Log Memory. Maxim Integrated Products. http://datasheets.maxim-ic.com/en/ds/DS1922L-DS1922T.pdfVisco G, Plattner SH, Fortini P, Di Giovanni S, Sammartino MP: Microclimate monitoring in the Carcer Tullianum: temporal and spatial correlation and gradients evidenced by multivariate analysis; first campaign. Chem Cent J 2012,6(Suppl 2):S11.UNI 10829: Works of Art of Historical Importance. Ambient Conditions for the Conservation. Measurement and Analysis. Milano: UNI Ente Nazionale Italiano di Unificazione; 1999.DM 10/2001: Atto di Indirizzo sui Criteri Tecnico-scientifici e Sugli Standard di Funzionamento e Sviluppo dei Musei. Ministero per i Beni e le Attività Culturali. Gazzeta Ufficiale della Repubblica Italiana (Official Bulletin of Italian Republica), Rome (Italy); 2001. DL 112/1998 art. 150 comma 6Camuffo D: Microclimate for Cultural Heritage. Amsterdam: Elsevier Science; 1998.ASTM E 104–02: Standard Practice for Maintaining Constant Relative Humidity by Means of Aqueous Solutions. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM Intl; 2012.Statgraphics Software. http://www.statgraphics.ne