CRYSTINART
Damage to tiles due to the crystallization of salts
This is a NICAS project. In this collaboration between scientists and conservation specialists fundamental research will be carried out into crystallisation, one of the prime causes of degradation in porous objects.
About the project
One of the greatest threats to works of art made of porous materials - murals, earthenware, stone - is the action of soluble salts that have penetrated into the pores. Under the influence of variations in temperature and humidity, salts draw moisture from the air and can then crystallise when the material dries out again. The crystallisation can cause damage in the internal structure of the materials. CRYSTINART will investigate this complex phenomenon from an interdisciplinary perspective. The research will be done jointly by scientists and conservation specialists.
Aim of the project
The aim of CRYSTINART is to gain a better understanding of the action of salts at the sub-micron level in porous stratified materials, such as ceramics, stone or mural paintings. For the next four years two doctoral candidates and a fellow will be carrying out experimental research to gain a better understanding of the physical, chemical and mechanical action of salt crystallisation at the interfaces between different materials. The ultimate aim is to more accurately predict the degradation processes of works of art endangered by salts, and to develop better conservation strategies.
Related events
- International symposium in the last phase of the project in 2023.
Staff
Isabelle Garachon
Hoofd restauratie-atelier Keramiek, Glas en Steen
i.garachon@rijksmuseum.nl
Prof. dr. Noushine Shahidzadeh
Hoogleraar Institute of Physics, Universiteit van Amsterdam
Dr.Leo Pel
UHD in Group Transport in permeable media, TU Eindhoven
Dr. Hannelore Derluyn
CNRS Associate scientist, University of Pau (UPPA-France)
Dr. Stefano de Miranda
Associate Professor DICAM department, University of Bologna (Italy)
Partners and sponsors
CRYSTINART has been set up at the initiative of Noushine Shahidzadeh, professor at the Institute of Physics of the University of Amsterdam.
This project is funded by NWO from a budget earmarked for NICAS (Netherlands Institute for Conservation+Art+Science+) in the context of the JPICH (Joint Programming Initiative on Cultural Heritage and Global Change).