Applied Research on Modern Materials in Cultural Heritage: Characterisation, Decay, and Conservation Studies
A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science and Engineering".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 308
Special Issue Editors
Interests: cultural heritage; conservation science; heritage science; plastics ageing; synthetic polymers; analytical methods; spectroscopy; conservation of modern and contemporary materials
Interests: cultural heritage; conservation science; heritage science; plastics ageing; synthetic polymers; analytical methods; spectroscopy; conservation of modern and contemporary materials
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Modern materials, such as plastics, foams, elastomers, films and coatings, have been increasingly found in cultural heritage artefacts since the 19th century. These materials, while groundbreaking at the time of their use, are now presenting conservators and researchers with unique challenges related to their identification and ageing, and in the development of conservation and preventive strategies.
This Special Issue aims to present cutting-edge research that addresses the characterization, decay mechanisms and conservation strategies for these modern materials in cultural heritage. We invite contributions that include new or established approaches to studying the ageing of plastic-based materials, as well as methodologies for identifying, preserving or conserving these materials in heritage contexts.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
- The identification of plastics, foams, elastomers, films and coatings in heritage artefacts, including sampling and non-sampling techniques;
- Ageing mechanisms and the degradation of modern materials, including comparative studies of natural and artificial decay;
- Preventive approaches, including environmental, storage and exhibition conditions;
- Conservation and restoration methodologies, such as cleaning, consolidation, adhesion and the use of protective coatings.
Dr. Susana França De Sá
Dr. Eva Mariasole Angelin
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- plastics
- foams
- elastomers
- films
- ageing
- identification
- conservation
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