Sustainability

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17 pages, 8930 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Protective Strategies and Biocide Applications in the Restoration of Palazzo Centrale Dell’Università, Catania, Italy

by Roberta Occhipinti, Giuseppe Lazzara, Paolo Mazzoleni, Alfredo Motta and Germana Barone

Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2948; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072948 - 2 Apr 2024

Viewed by 590

Abstract

The present work discusses the challenges and approaches involved in conserving cultural heritage (CH), specifically focusing on eco-friendly conservation methods and the management of biodeterioration. It highlights the need for innovative protocols that align with green conservation criteria, aiming to replace traditional, potentially [...] Read more.

The present work discusses the challenges and approaches involved in conserving cultural heritage (CH), specifically focusing on eco-friendly conservation methods and the management of biodeterioration. It highlights the need for innovative protocols that align with green conservation criteria, aiming to replace traditional, potentially harmful practices with sustainable alternatives. This study is based on the role of nanomaterials like halloysite in developing protective coatings for CH materials. Additionally, the issues of biological colonization on CH assets, the difficulties in controlling environmental factors affecting biodeterioration, and the use of direct methods in outdoor conservation were also evaluated. This work is specifically focused on a case study: the “Palazzo Centrale dell’ Università” in Catania (Italy), where alternative, eco-friendly protectives and biocides have been tested on Hyblean limestones. After a preliminary study of the lithology and the forms of degradation which affect the whole monument, laboratory tests were carried out using the newly developed protective coatings on several types of Hyblean limestone in order to assess their efficacy and their impact on the stone. Furthermore, cleaning operations were also tested on-site by comparing an eco-friendly biocide with commercial counterparts in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the products and establish an efficient restoration protocol for future projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Technologies and Pathways to Sustainable Conservation of Cultural Heritage)

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25 pages, 9911 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proof-of-Concept Study on the Feasibility of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide-Assisted Consolidation Treatment for a Pair of Goalkeeper Gloves on Synthetic Latex-Based Foam Mock-Ups

by Joana Tomás Ferreira, Angelica Bartoletti, Susana França de Sá, Anita Quye, Yvonne Shashoua, Teresa Casimiro and Joana Lia Ferreira

Sustainability 2024, 16(4), 1562; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16041562 - 13 Feb 2024

Viewed by 726

Abstract

This work investigates the suitability of supercritical fluid technology for designing a safe, efficient and sustainable consolidation treatment for a pair of heavily degraded goalkeeper gloves. Traditional methods have revealed themselves as unsafe and inefficient, leading to material loss and a minimal enhancement [...] Read more.

This work investigates the suitability of supercritical fluid technology for designing a safe, efficient and sustainable consolidation treatment for a pair of heavily degraded goalkeeper gloves. Traditional methods have revealed themselves as unsafe and inefficient, leading to material loss and a minimal enhancement of surface cohesion. To overcome these limitations, the use of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) was explored in a treatment, where scCO₂ behaves as a green solvent and consolidant carrier. In-depth and homogeneous application of the consolidant, without the need for direct contact with the foam material, was sought. As a proof of concept, the procedure was tested on samples that mimic the synthetic latex-based foam composition and condition of the object. Poly(vinyl acetate) was selected as a consolidant because its behaviour and solubility in scCO₂ are known. Several experimental conditions were explored to assess the impact and feasibility of the scCO₂-assisted consolidation procedure. Empirical observations, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy were used to monitor potential modifications in the samples and assess the treatment efficacy. The results highlighted the advantages and pitfalls of scCO₂-assisted consolidation, paving the way for fine-tuning the process. It neither damaged the fragile surfaces of the foam samples nor increased material loss, which is an advantage compared to traditional treatments. The performed analysis suggested that homogeneous impregnation of the foams was achieved. This study might be a turning point in the conservation of foam-based museum objects, as the results indicate the suitability of the scCO₂-assisted consolidation process as a non-toxic and more efficient alternative, being safer for the object. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Technologies and Pathways to Sustainable Conservation of Cultural Heritage)

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18 pages, 2477 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Organogels for Low-Polar Organic Solvents: Potential Applications on Cultural Heritage Materials

by Chiara Biribicchi, Laura Giuliani, Andrea Macchia and Gabriele Favero

Sustainability 2023, 15(23), 16305; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152316305 - 25 Nov 2023

Viewed by 878

Abstract

Traditional cleaning methods for removing undesired substances from artworks often involve the use of toxic volatile solvents, raising concerns about human health and environmental impact. Over time, various cleaning systems, such as thickeners, rigid, peelable, and nanostructured gels, have been introduced in the [...] Read more.

Traditional cleaning methods for removing undesired substances from artworks often involve the use of toxic volatile solvents, raising concerns about human health and environmental impact. Over time, various cleaning systems, such as thickeners, rigid, peelable, and nanostructured gels, have been introduced in the conservation sector to minimize solvent use and toxicity. However, these methods are primarily tailored for aqueous solutions or medium-to-high-polar solvents, leaving sustainable organogels for low-polar solvents largely unexplored. This paper explores the application of Low-Molecular-Weight Gelators (LMWGs) in the field of cultural heritage conservation, focusing on their potential to gel low-polar organic solvents. LMWGs, including cholesterol derivatives, fatty acid-derived compounds, anthryl, anthraquinone, amino acid, and saccharide-based organogelators, offer biocompatible and cost-effective options by forming supramolecular gels that immobilize solvents and reduce their release into the environment. This study highlights the need to transition from traditional, often toxic, solvents to greener and more sustainable cleaning systems by emphasizing LMWGs’ biodegradability, biocompatibility, and sustainability. While challenges such as optimizing gel properties and ensuring compatibility with artwork surfaces still need to be addressed, LMWGs hold promise as organogelators in conservation practice. Further research into LMWGs should focus on their optimization for conservation applications by adjusting their rheological properties and physico-chemical stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Technologies and Pathways to Sustainable Conservation of Cultural Heritage)

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21 pages, 3431 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition of Hydrophobic Coating Solutions and Its Impact on Carbonate Stones Protection and Preservation

by Forough Armal, Luís Dias, José Mirão, Vera Pires, Fabio Sitzia, Sérgio Martins, Mafalda Costa and Pedro Barrulas

Sustainability 2023, 15(22), 16135; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152216135 - 20 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1871

Abstract

The decay diagnosis and conservation of stone-built heritage is becoming a worldwide concern, especially when stone decay causes chromatic changes in the original stone aesthetics, which directly impacts its sociocultural value. Among all the causes of stone decay, water action is identified as [...] Read more.

The decay diagnosis and conservation of stone-built heritage is becoming a worldwide concern, especially when stone decay causes chromatic changes in the original stone aesthetics, which directly impacts its sociocultural value. Among all the causes of stone decay, water action is identified as the major cause of stone decay and chromatic changes in stone building materials; hence, protective eco-friendly hydrophobic coatings are the efficient and fundamental options to prevent penetrating water into the stone. This paper aims to contribute to tackling water action on natural building stones by studying three different commercial hydrophobic coatings and finding out the correlation between the effectivity, compatibility, and durability of these coatings and the physical, chemical, and mineralogical features of four distinct types of limestone, one calcitic dolomite, four kinds of marble, and one granitoid. Nine different natural stones have been chosen due to their variations in physical, chemical, and mineralogical natures. A multi-analytical approach was adopted through digital microscopy and colourimetry assays to assess the compatibility of the hydrophobic coatings, accelerating ageing in climatic chambers to assess their durability, optical tensiometer analyses to evaluate the hydrophobic effectiveness, and h-XRF and XRPD for determining the chemical and mineralogical composition of stone samples. The results obtained demonstrate that the coating composed of silane/siloxane with modified fluorinated additives (FAKOLITH FK-3 Plus Nano) is the most effective, compatible, and durable coating among the selected hydrophobic coatings. These results can be considered the pioneering steps for developing eco-friendly and cost-effective coatings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Technologies and Pathways to Sustainable Conservation of Cultural Heritage)

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19 pages, 48780 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Integration of HBIM-SIG in the Development of a Virtual Itinerary in a Historical Centre

by Concepción López-González and Jorge García-Valldecabres

Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13931; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813931 - 19 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 918

Abstract

The continuous increase in cultural tourism, together with the deficient planning of public use, increases the risk of heritage resource degradation. Currently, there are collaborative methodologies enabling all the agents involved in the conservation of a heritage site to work in a coordinated [...] Read more.

The continuous increase in cultural tourism, together with the deficient planning of public use, increases the risk of heritage resource degradation. Currently, there are collaborative methodologies enabling all the agents involved in the conservation of a heritage site to work in a coordinated way (HBIM), such as in the management of public use. However, in this study, through a review of the scientific literature, the lack of a method and tool that allows sustainable conservation management and the planning of cultural tourism of heritage assets in a specific geographical environment is demonstrated. The objective of this research is thus to explore and identify the possibilities of interoperability between HBIM and GIS for the development of a protocol aimed at synchronizing the information concerning heritage architecture across the management and cultural tourism planning and preventive conservation. This protocol was implemented for three monumental buildings in the historic centre of the city of Valencia (Spain). This novel protocol provides a new technological system that fosters the cultural development and preservation and conservation of heritage assets through a single tool integrating HBIM and GIS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Technologies and Pathways to Sustainable Conservation of Cultural Heritage)

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16 pages, 31115 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Sustainability of Intangible Cultural Heritage: The Example of the “Wu Leno” Weaving Technique in Suzhou, China

by Lan Yu

Sustainability 2023, 15(12), 9803; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129803 - 19 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2201

Abstract

Digital technology can be used to enable the living preservation and heritage innovation of the intangible cultural heritage of Chinese traditional textile skills for sustainable development. Taking the “Wu Leno” weaving technique in Suzhou as the research object, we first elaborated on the [...] Read more.

Digital technology can be used to enable the living preservation and heritage innovation of the intangible cultural heritage of Chinese traditional textile skills for sustainable development. Taking the “Wu Leno” weaving technique in Suzhou as the research object, we first elaborated on the origin, development, and evolution of “Wu Leno” through documentary research and case study methods. Second, considering the inheritance of the Leno weaving technique, we used digital technology to establish the pattern. The study showed that a digital database and virtual reality technology can be used to build a loom model and create a simulation library to realize innovative applications and interactive experiences in apparel design. The study also showed that the digital database and the interactive technology of virtual reality can provide practical pathways and explore experiences for the preservation, inheritance, cross-border communication, and sustainable innovation development of Suzhou “Wu Leno” weaving techniques in modern times. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Technologies and Pathways to Sustainable Conservation of Cultural Heritage)

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15 pages, 4918 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Deutsches Museum Spacesuit Display: Long-Term Preservation and Atmospheric Monitoring

by Charlotte Holzer, Benoît Lescop, Gilles Nguyen-Vien and Stéphane Rioual

Sustainability 2023, 15(12), 9442; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129442 - 12 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1214

Abstract

Spacesuits are highly valuable artifacts made of sensitive synthetic materials, including rubber, polyvinylchloride, polyamide, or polyurethane. The main concerns for preservation are off-gazing from the objects themselves and the exterior agents of deterioration humidity, high temperature, UV radiation, and visible light. This study [...] Read more.

Spacesuits are highly valuable artifacts made of sensitive synthetic materials, including rubber, polyvinylchloride, polyamide, or polyurethane. The main concerns for preservation are off-gazing from the objects themselves and the exterior agents of deterioration humidity, high temperature, UV radiation, and visible light. This study addresses the implementation of preventive conservation in the Deutsches Museum spacesuit display and the evaluation of the atmosphere with monitoring methods. The focus lies on innovative RFID corrosion sensors developed by the Lab-STICC and used in an exhibition for the first time. In addition, commercial devices (climate logger, UV and light meters, infrared thermal imaging) were used to check the conditions in the spacesuit showcase. The source for off-gazing coming from a suit could be located through the sensors, and the low corrosivity inside the showcase showed the effectivity of the installed charcoal absorbers. Humidity, however, was unable to be reduced to the recommended 30–40% in the large-scale showcase with silica gel. The LED lighting in the dark exhibition excludes any harmful high-energy radiation, but thermal radiation is produced by lighting and electrical devices. The applied methods were effective in evaluating the current situation in the exhibition and form a good basis for future improvements on the display. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Technologies and Pathways to Sustainable Conservation of Cultural Heritage)

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16 pages, 8018 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Virtual Experience System of Bamboo Weaving for Sustainable Research on Intangible Cultural Heritage Based on VR Technology

by Lufang Zhang, Yue Wang, Zhichuan Tang, Xia Liu and Moran Zhang

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3134; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043134 - 8 Feb 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3328

Abstract

As an important national cultural treasure, intangible cultural heritage (ICH) faces certain problems in inheritance and sustainability. With the development of digital technology, the increasing research and application of virtual reality technology in ICH have been presented. This paper proposes a virtual experience [...] Read more.

As an important national cultural treasure, intangible cultural heritage (ICH) faces certain problems in inheritance and sustainability. With the development of digital technology, the increasing research and application of virtual reality technology in ICH have been presented. This paper proposes a virtual experience system for Dongyang bamboo weaving, a traditional form of ICH craftsmanship, to display its historical background, cultural connotation, and technical craftsmanship. The learning module of the system is evaluated through the comparative experiments by 8 subjects. From the experimental data, compared with the computer, the average time for subjects to learn bamboo weaving in the system is shorter. The results of the questionnaire indicate that the learning module arouse their interest in bamboo weaving. The result shows the system is able to create an immersive and interactive scene for the users to understand bamboo weaving culture and learn the skills, which may encourage the sustainable development of bamboo weaving culture from the perspective of diffusion and provide research methods for other studies on traditional craftsmanship of ICH. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Technologies and Pathways to Sustainable Conservation of Cultural Heritage)

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