Science and Technology for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage

The course provides students with knowledge of archaeometallurgical techniques, smelting principles, phase diagrams of metal alloys, and thermal analyses (TGA, DSC). It covers crystalline structure analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the interpretation of XRD patterns. Students will develop skills to evaluate phase compositions, differentiate between glass and crystals, and solve problems related to TGA, DSC, and XRD. They will also gain autonomy in applying these techniques, communicate in English, and improve their learning and reflection abilities. The course enhances students’ understanding of materials science within the context of cultural heritage conservation, with a particular focus on metals, alloys, and ceramics. It equips students with the skills to develop protocols for the characterization of inorganic materials using phase diagrams, thermal analysis (TGA and DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Students will study atomic arrangements in inorganic materials, influenced by metal types, alloy compositions, and metallurgical processes. Thermal analysis techniques will be presented as essential tools for assessing the behavior and stability of materials under heat treatment. XRD will be introduced as a key method for investigating crystalline structure. By integrating these analytical techniques with theoretical knowledge, students will be able to design effective and targeted characterization protocols. A - Knowledge and understanding OF 1) archaeometallurgical techniques and the principle of smelting OF 2) phase diagrams of various metal alloys OF 3) thermal analyses of materials: thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) OF 4) crystalline structures with different atomic packing arrangements OF 5) X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques OF 6) interpretation of XRD patterns and determination of crystalline structures … B - Application skills OF 7) evaluate phase types, phase numbers, their composition ratios, and the composition within a single phase using phase diagram OF 8) explain the differences between glass and crystals OF 9) solve problems of TGA, DSC, and XRD analyses … C - Autonomy of judgment OF 10) comprehend patterns obtained from TGA, DSC, and XRD analyses OF 11) define phase structures using these techniques in combination with a phase diagram OF 12) construct evaluation procedures for inorganic materials D - Communication skills OF 13) working command of English OF 14) draw simple charts and write sentences E - Ability to learn OF 15) evaluating and analyzing your own understanding OF 16) asking questions if something unclear OF 17) developing own study program independently OF 18) having basic computer skills