FUTURES EXPO SERIES
Advancing treatments for the conservation of stone buildings and materials
Key capabilities
> Computational modelling of materials
> Advanced microscopy characterisation of materials > Design of conservation treatments for stone buildings and artwork
Key customers
> Museums and cultural institutions > Restoration and conservation companies > Government heritage preservation agencies
Sustainable development goals
> Industry , innovation and infrastructure
> Sustainable cities and communities
> Responsible consumption and production
unsw . to / martina-lessio
Using computational modelling and microscopy to develop innovative treatments for preserving marble buildings and cultural heritage
Research Group
Weathering causes extensive damage to culturally significant marble objects and buildings , necessitating innovative conservation methods . This research focuses on developing a novel treatment using an aqueous phosphate solution to form a protective calcium phosphate layer on marble surfaces . Experimental studies have shown that the addition of alcohol to the solution enhances the protective coating , though the mechanism remains unclear .
By combining advanced computational simulations with high-level microscopy techniques , the project aims to understand how alcohol improves the coating process . The goal is to identify the optimal organic additive to strengthen marble preservation efforts . This project is in the experimental phase , seeking to refine the treatment for practical application in the conservation field . Once the best additive is determined , this innovative solution could be scaled for widespread use in protecting historical and cultural marble structures globally .
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