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Coatings
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New Trends in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage
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New Trends in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage

A special issue of Coatings (ISSN 2079-6412). This special issue belongs to the section "Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 10088

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Bojan Miljević

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Technology, Department of Materials Engineering, Laboratory for Materials in Cultural Heritage, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
Interests: materials characterization; advanced functional materials; photocatalytic nanocomposites; protection of cultural heritage objects; self-cleaning coatings
Dr. Antonella Salvini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
Interests: conservation of the cultural heritage; wood and paper consolidants; wood and stone protective agents; adhesives; biopolymers; biorefinery processes; homogenous catalysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Mara Camaiti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, National Research Council, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Florence, Italy
Interests: polymeric materials; surface coating; hydrophobicity and superhydrophobicity; self-cleaning properties; cultural heritage protection and restoration
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Daniela Korolija Crkvenjakov

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Academy of Arts, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
Interests: preservation of cultural heritage; conservation; restoration; artistic materials and techniques

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is our pleasure to announce the opening of a new Special Issue in the Coatings Journal. The main topics of the Special Issue will be regarding “New Trends in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage”. Conservation and restoration of cultural heritage objects is becoming an attractive field, with many challenges which might be solved through the engagement of material scientists, physicists, chemists, art historians, archeologists, conservators, restorers, and other heritage experts. Non-destructive probes are more and more used for investigation of cultural heritage objects, resulting in detailed structural/chemical identification of constituents, such as pigments or binders. On the other hand, in the conservation treatments of heritage objects, innovative, specially designed, and newly developed materials are used. Therefore, in the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage, plenty of new technologies and materials have found their implementation, ranging from micro-investigation and 3D computed tomography up to the nanocomposite functional protective coatings, and the list is extending.

Under this perspective, the Special Issue wants to contribute to the field of conservation and restoration of cultural heritage, presenting the most relevant advances in this research area. The following are some of the topics proposed for this Special Issue:

  • Conservation and restoration of easel and wall paintings;
  • Conservation and restoration of ancient mortars, bricks, and stones;
  • Conservation and restoration of ancient wood artifacts;
  • Non-destructive analytical methods in cultural heritage;
  • Ceramics and ceramic coatings;
  • Identification of pigments and binders;
  • Classical and innovative dating methods;
  • Computer science, AI, and imaging techniques in cultural heritage;
  • Spectral images of cultural heritage objects;
  • Art conservation procedures (best practice case studies);
  • Degradation mechanisms;
  • Innovative techniques and materials for conservation and restoration;
  • Multidisciplinary approach and management in CH.

We look forward to receiving your contributions,

Dr. Bojan Miljević
Dr. Antonella Salvini
Dr. Mara Camaiti
Dr. Daniela Korolija Crkvenjakov
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Coatings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 5815 KiB  
Article
The Evaluation and Analysis of the Anti-Corrosion Performance of the Sealing Material B72 for Metal Artifacts Based on Electrochemical Noise
by Hao Xu, Minghao Jia, Pei Hu, Shengyu Liu and Gang Hu
Coatings 2024, 14(9), 1190; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14091190 - 14 Sep 2024
Viewed by 622
Abstract
Paraloid B-72 (B72), as a transparent, colorless polymer material, has good film-forming ability when dissolved in acetone and is widely used as a sealing material for metal artifacts. In order to analyze and evaluate the preservation performance of B72 as a sealing material [...] Read more.
Paraloid B-72 (B72), as a transparent, colorless polymer material, has good film-forming ability when dissolved in acetone and is widely used as a sealing material for metal artifacts. In order to analyze and evaluate the preservation performance of B72 as a sealing material on the substrate of metal artifacts, a variety of electrochemical methods, mainly electrochemical noise (EN), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were applied to evaluate the B72 coating. The results showed that the B72 coating had a good preservation effect at the initial stage, and its poor water resistance led to the loss of its effectiveness after a few days of immersion. Compared with conventional electrochemical methods, electrochemical noise is non-destructive, which cannot cause new corrosion on the metal substrate and can well characterize the corrosion rate of the test system, and the results of its time domain and frequency domain analyses can correspond well with the polarization resistance and impedance spectra. Electrochemical noise is an effective method for evaluating the anti-corrosion performance of material preservation coatings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage)
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23 pages, 15272 KiB  
Article
Energy Efficiency versus Heritage—Proposal for a Replicable Prototype to Maintain the Architectural Values of Buildings in Energy Improvement Interventions on Facades: The Case of the Expansion of San Sebastián
by Maialen Sagarna, María Senderos, Ana Azpiri, Mireia Roca, Fernando Mora and Juan Pedro Otaduy
Coatings 2024, 14(4), 422; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14040422 - 31 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1211
Abstract
The implementation of energy efficiency improvements in facades, such as ventilated facades or External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS), is leading to a widespread modification of these structures. The lack of appropriate regulations to curb the destruction of the built heritage, particularly in [...] Read more.
The implementation of energy efficiency improvements in facades, such as ventilated facades or External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS), is leading to a widespread modification of these structures. The lack of appropriate regulations to curb the destruction of the built heritage, particularly in historical centers, has been identified. In response to this issue, a project has been developed to create a prototype for determining regulations for facade interventions. The Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) has been employed in the development of the prototype, which has been tested in a case study of the ensemble formed by the Cortázar and Oriental expansion areas in San Sebastián. The initial prototype has been outlined, corrected, and improved in an iterative process, resulting in a final prototype that enables a faster, more rigorous, and efficient understanding, characterization, classification, study, and definition of intervention criteria, measuring the vulnerability of buildings to these interventions quantitatively. In this study, the vulnerability is defined as the risk that a facade will alter the characteristics of its architectural style and distort the reading of streetscapes that belong to a period with a clearly defined character. The case study results have been compiled into intervention criteria sheets for each of the studied buildings. This material has been presented to the relevant public authorities, with the hope that it may lead to a modification of current legislation, thereby helping to curb the loss of architectural heritage identity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage)
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19 pages, 3692 KiB  
Article
A Formulation for a New Environmentally Friendly Varnish for Paintings
by Irene Pieralli, Antonella Salvini, Eva Mariasole Angelin, Marisa Pamplona, Valeria Cocchetti, Giovanni Bartolozzi and Marcello Picollo
Coatings 2023, 13(9), 1566; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13091566 - 7 Sep 2023
Viewed by 2708
Abstract
Laropal® A81 is a urea-aldehyde resin used as a varnish for paintings requiring 30%–40% of aromatic solvents to be dissolved. Considering the dangers of aromatic solvents for the environment and health, an attempt was made to replace them with less impactful and [...] Read more.
Laropal® A81 is a urea-aldehyde resin used as a varnish for paintings requiring 30%–40% of aromatic solvents to be dissolved. Considering the dangers of aromatic solvents for the environment and health, an attempt was made to replace them with less impactful and low-toxic solvents. The present research investigates a new formulation with aliphatic hydrocarbons and esters (isobutyl isobutyrate, IBIB) as an alternative to traditional aromatics mixture. Traditional and alternative varnish formulations of Laropal® A81 were studied on an inert support and paint samples to test the resin by itself and in interaction with paint film, respectively. This study aims to compare the two different formulations of Laropal® A81 by evaluating their optical, colorimetric, and stability proprieties before and after natural and accelerated ageing. Colorimetry and spectroscopic techniques (transmittance and reflectance UV-VIS-NIR, FORS, transmittance and total reflectance FT-IR, and 1H-NMR) were used for the assessment. Very promising results have been obtained with the application of the alternative formulation, with data comparable to those of the traditional formulation, paving the way for the replacement of the aromatic-based solvents traditionally used with IBIB. This allows a safer and more sustainable conservation practice with considerable benefits for the health of the operators and the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage)
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11 pages, 7057 KiB  
Article
Multianalytical Study of the Blue Pigments Usage in Serbian Iconography at the Beginning of the 18th-Century
by Maja Gajić-Kvaščev, Olivera Klisurić, Velibor Andrić, Stefano Ridolfi, Una Galečić and Daniela Korolija Crkvenjakov
Coatings 2023, 13(7), 1200; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13071200 - 4 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1395
Abstract
Traditional Serbian religious art originated in Byzantine culture and conserved Byzantine elements until modern times. However, since the end of the 17th century, many changes in traditional icon painting have been introduced. Previous studies focused on the changes in iconography and style, but [...] Read more.
Traditional Serbian religious art originated in Byzantine culture and conserved Byzantine elements until modern times. However, since the end of the 17th century, many changes in traditional icon painting have been introduced. Previous studies focused on the changes in iconography and style, but very little attention was paid to the changes in painting materials and techniques. This research focuses on the blue pigments on icons from the first half of the 18th century. Eight icons with blue areas of a different hue were selected for the study. Due to its rarity in nature, price, and iconographical importance, the blue pigment was particularly praised by painters. Therefore, the choice of the blue pigment can be related to historical information to trace influences and the development of the painter’s practice. Imaging techniques, several portable, non-destructive analytical techniques, such as XRF and FTIR, followed by optical microscopy and SEM-EDX analysis of the samples were used to characterize blue pigments and the painting technique. An analysis showed that icon painters at the beginning of the 18th century used pigments such as azurite, an indigo-organic colourant of plant origin, and Prussian blue. Contrary to the traditional belief that natural ultramarine blue was used, it was not confirmed in any studied examples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage)
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15 pages, 8014 KiB  
Article
Study on the Performance of Acrylic Polyurethane for the Protection of Handwriting on Paper Relics
by Tan Mao, Xufeng Li, Xiaoting Shi, Ying Hu, Junyan Zha, Xueke Luo and Youliang Cheng
Coatings 2023, 13(5), 822; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13050822 - 24 Apr 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1741
Abstract
There are many important cultural relics in China, including many paper relics. Therefore, it is particularly important to find methods of protecting the handwriting in paper relics. This study focuses on the effects acrylic polyurethane materials have on preserving handwriting in paper relics [...] Read more.
There are many important cultural relics in China, including many paper relics. Therefore, it is particularly important to find methods of protecting the handwriting in paper relics. This study focuses on the effects acrylic polyurethane materials have on preserving handwriting in paper relics by examining the color change and diffusion of handwriting before and after reinforcement treatments on handwriting materials, including ink, carbon ink, blue-black ink, pure blue ink, red ink, and pencil. The acrylic polyurethane materials have a certain degree of stability and enhance the handwriting of paper relics. We analyzed the acrylic polyurethane reinforcement material in terms of acid resistance, alkali resistance, oxidation resistance, dry heat aging resistance, and durability. The experimental results show that the optimal reinforcement concentration is within 15% for ink, 10% for carbon ink, 20% for blue-black ink, 15% to 20% for pure blue ink, and 3% for red ink and pencil. Finally, the surface of the reinforced paper and handwriting were observed through laser microscopy, SEM, EDS, and infrared spectroscopy and the protective effect of acrylic polyurethane reinforcement material on handwriting was determined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage)
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14 pages, 8824 KiB  
Review
Research Progress of Superhydrophobic Coatings in the Protection of Earthen Sites
by Yisi Liu, Qian Li, Ruiting Zhou and Renaguli Yusufu
Coatings 2024, 14(6), 710; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14060710 - 5 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1247
Abstract
As an important part of human cultural heritage, earthen sites are subject to damage caused by a variety of environmental factors, such as cracking, weathering, and flooding. Due to the low mechanical strength of earthen site materials, especially in humid environments, they are [...] Read more.
As an important part of human cultural heritage, earthen sites are subject to damage caused by a variety of environmental factors, such as cracking, weathering, and flooding. Due to the low mechanical strength of earthen site materials, especially in humid environments, they are susceptible to hazards like moisture penetration, freeze–thaw cycles, and biological invasion. Superhydrophobic coatings show promising potential in the protection of earthen sites, with key properties that include waterproof performance, breathability, robustness, and transparency. By exploring various material systems and preparation methods, the current state of research on the protection of building materials with superhydrophobic materials has been demonstrated, highlighting advantages in the corrosion resistance, self-cleaning, frost prevention, anti-scaling, and other aspects. At the same time, it also points out the challenges faced in the practical application of earthen site protection and the prospects for future research. These include enhancing the bonding strength between the coating and soil particles, improving durability and breathability, and developing large-scale, low-cost, and efficient coating construction techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage)
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