Archaeological Materials Science

Objectives The aim of the course is to acquire knowledge about the nature, alteration processes and degradation of materials used in the field of cultural heritage: ceramic, bricks, stone, glass, metals, mortar and plaster. Syllabus - Definitions and production technology of ceramic material focusing on bricks and building material. Alteration processes and related problems in conservation. - Definition and origin of stone material used in the field of cultural heritage. Main techniques of extraction and surface treatments. Alteration processes and related conservative problems. Definition and different painted surfaces with related alteration problems. - Definition and technology production of glass. Conservation problems related to the different alteration processes. - Definition and production of metals and alteration processes - Definition and production methods of mortars and plasters. Alteration and conservation problems.

Since the course requires that the student can preserve different various materials constituting the monuments should have knowledge of the mechanisms of degradation and it is important: - Knowledge of inorganic chemistry - Knowledge of organic chemistry - Knowledge of basic physics - Knowledge of basic geology

Teaching materials, including handouts, thematic websites and scientific articles will be distributed in class and posted on a dedicated Moodle page.

The lectures will be focused on production processes, alteration and degradation processes of stone materials, ceramics, glass and plasters. Particular attention will be focused on the methodologies of analysis usually applied for an archaeometric characterization of the material.

The attendance is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended to understand the issues of the lectures and to carry out the project during laboratory hours.

To pass the exam the student must obtain a grade of not less than 18/30. The student must demonstrate that he/she has acquired a sufficient knowledge of the properties of geomaterials applied in the cultural heritage, their production processes, their alteration processes and the analytical methods usually used to study these materials as well as innovative methods. To achieve a score of 30/30 cum laude, the student must instead demonstrate that he/she has acquired excellent knowledge of all the topics covered during the course, being able to link them in a logical and coherent way.

The lectures will be focused on production processes, alteration and degradation processes of stone materials, ceramics, glass and plasters. Particular attention will be focused on the methodologies of analysis usually applied for an archaeometric characterization of the material.