2024
Chemistry Applied to Heritage
Name: Chemistry Applied to Heritage
Code: QUI11980L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Chemistry
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
Objectives:The preservation of architectural, archaeological and artistic heritage is not only due to intrinsic
factors of the physical and chemical nature of the materials used but also of the interaction with the
environment. This course aims to sensitize students to the study and conservation of cultural heritage by
providing them with skills in relation to the main materials used, their main causes of degradation and
pathologies and the analytical methodologies for characterization and diagnosis.
Skills: Identification of materials used in artistic production and its physical and chemical properties.
Identification of the main causes of degradation and pathologies of the materials studied: easel and mural
painting, stone, mortars, metals, textiles, glass, ceramics and documents. Understanding the basics of
characterization and diagnosis techniques of cultural artifacts and their applications. Development multianalytical
methodologies for heritage research and conservation.
factors of the physical and chemical nature of the materials used but also of the interaction with the
environment. This course aims to sensitize students to the study and conservation of cultural heritage by
providing them with skills in relation to the main materials used, their main causes of degradation and
pathologies and the analytical methodologies for characterization and diagnosis.
Skills: Identification of materials used in artistic production and its physical and chemical properties.
Identification of the main causes of degradation and pathologies of the materials studied: easel and mural
painting, stone, mortars, metals, textiles, glass, ceramics and documents. Understanding the basics of
characterization and diagnosis techniques of cultural artifacts and their applications. Development multianalytical
methodologies for heritage research and conservation.
Contents
Introduction and background (Art and Heritage, Conservation and the Charter of Venice, Heritage Science
vs Heritage and Science). Color: physical, chemical and physiological properties. Pigments: history of its
use, physical and chemical properties. Binders, varnishes, consolidants and glues. Easel painting -
production techniques and conservation. Mortar and stone materials - classification, pathologies and
conservation. Metals - classification, corrosion and conservation. Glass and ceramics - classification,
production, pathologies and conservation. Textile and dyes classification and conservation. Documents -
classification, pathologies and conservation. Photography - chemistry of photographic processes,
pathologies and conservation. Techniques of physical and chemical analysis of cultural and artistic
artifacts - area exames, in-situ analytical techniques, microanalysis techniques
vs Heritage and Science). Color: physical, chemical and physiological properties. Pigments: history of its
use, physical and chemical properties. Binders, varnishes, consolidants and glues. Easel painting -
production techniques and conservation. Mortar and stone materials - classification, pathologies and
conservation. Metals - classification, corrosion and conservation. Glass and ceramics - classification,
production, pathologies and conservation. Textile and dyes classification and conservation. Documents -
classification, pathologies and conservation. Photography - chemistry of photographic processes,
pathologies and conservation. Techniques of physical and chemical analysis of cultural and artistic
artifacts - area exames, in-situ analytical techniques, microanalysis techniques
Teaching Methods
The teaching is based on theoretical, practical and tutorial classes. The laboratory classes are coordinated
and complementary to the theoretical, applying the subjects in concrete practical situations. The tutorial
guidelines will serve to support scientific-pedagogical monitoring of students, particularly in implementing
a complementary and integrator work.
The evaluation is based on an appreciation of the acquired concepts and the capacity to use them in
practical situations and has a theoretical and a practical component.
Practical Component: This includes continuous evaluation, classification of reports of practical classes
and field trips.
Theoretical Component: Includes the performance of three tests and an essay / expository work.
Final = 70% + 30% theoretical practical component
and complementary to the theoretical, applying the subjects in concrete practical situations. The tutorial
guidelines will serve to support scientific-pedagogical monitoring of students, particularly in implementing
a complementary and integrator work.
The evaluation is based on an appreciation of the acquired concepts and the capacity to use them in
practical situations and has a theoretical and a practical component.
Practical Component: This includes continuous evaluation, classification of reports of practical classes
and field trips.
Theoretical Component: Includes the performance of three tests and an essay / expository work.
Final = 70% + 30% theoretical practical component
