Experimental organic-inorganic hybrid systems, based on silane functionalized difunctional and trifunctional epoxy resins and an alkoxysilane precursor mixture, containing small amounts of ammonium molybdate, are evaluated for potential use as adhesives cured at ambient temperatures. The precursor resin mixtures are found to exhibit a large increase in viscosity with a pseudoplastic behavior. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis shows the existence of siloxane domains with nanometric dimensions, except for the presence of microscopic molybdate particles. By monitoring the evolution of the glass transition temperature (Tg) during curing, varying the thickness of the specimens between 0.2 and 4.5 mm, it is found that the organic-inorganic hybrids display a significant increase in the final Tg over the parent unmodified epoxy resins, particularly in thin specimens and when ammonium molybdate is added. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) spectra show that the dimensions and typographicfeatures of thick and thin specimens are similar, both containing an agglomeration of primary particles of 5-6 nm.

Rod-shaped TiO2 nanocrystals (TiO2 NRs), capped by oleic acid molecules (OLEA), were synthesized with controlled size, shape and surface chemistry by using colloidal routes. They were investigated for application as coating materials for preserving architectural stone of monumental and archaeological interest, in consideration of their self-cleaning and protection properties. For this purpose, two different deposition techniques, namely casting and dipping, were tested for the application of a nanocrystal dispersion on a defined stone type, as a relevant example of porous calcarenites, namely the Pietra Leccese, a building stone widely used in monuments and buildings of cultural and historic interest of the Apulia region (Italy). The physical properties of the stone surface were investigated before and after the treatment with the prepared nanostructured materials. In particular, colour, wettability, water transfer properties and stability of the coating were monitored as a function of time and of the application method. The self-cleaning properties of the TiO2 NRs coated surfaces were tested under simulated and real solar irradiation. The obtained results were discussed in the light of the specific surface chemistry and morphology of TiO2 NRs, demonstrating the effectiveness of TiO2 NRs as an active component in formulations for stone protection.

In this paper we deal with an experimental activity aimed to the characterization ofa compact local limestone, named Trani stone. Compact limestones are very commonmaterials used in the monumental and historic built heritage. In particular, withreference to the Apulian region (Southern Italy), they are the constituent stones of thenumerous Romanesque Cathedrals, as well as of many other important monuments suchas the UNESCO site of Castel del Monte. They have also been employed for thebuilding of the fortified towns and norman-swabian castles facing the sea. The studyreports mineralogical-petrographical and physical features, with particular reference tothe behaviour with respect to the water. Ultrasonic tests have also been performed asindirect tool for the qualification of the stone in dry and wet conditions. A superficialtreatment with photocatalytic titania (in water and alcoholic solution) has also beenapplied to the stone, in order to study the potential use of self-cleaning and antipollutionnanotitania coatings for stone surface protection; a preliminary assessment ofthe morphology and distribution of the titania films on the stone surface and relatedcolour changes has been carried out.

Clay minerals often occur in the finishing layers covering the surface of historic and architectural artefacts. They may come from ochres intentionally applied or from atmospheric dust naturally deposited. In the first case the finishes could testify to treatments applied for the stone conservation and/or aesthetic purposes, whose study is of great interest in conservation activities.In this paper we report on the application of microdestructive analytical techniques in order to identify the presence and the origin of clay minerals found on the surfaces of several historic buildings located in the Apulia region (Southern Italy). Optical and SEM observations, along with EDS microanalyses, and FTIR analyses were performed. The microdestructive character of these techniques made it possible to carry out theanalyses on the same specimen, thus reducing the sampling. XRD analyses were also performed to confirm the presence of clay minerals. The complementary analytical findings were helpful in most cases in establishing the real origin of the clay minerals; the detection of organic materials arising from man-made treatments allowed to identify clays as pigments. However, in some cases the uncertainty remained between ochre,intentionally employed, and soil-dust deposition.

Coating with nanostructured Titanium dioxide is able to enhance natural stone surface with self-cleaning and depolluting abilities; nonetheless, the durability of the coatings is a crucial issue to be assessed in relation to their potential for use in the context of the building heritage. In this paper, the resistance of coatings applied on a compact and a soft limestone, which differ in roughness, porosity and cohesion features, has been investigated. A peeling and a water impact test were performed and their effect on the coated surface was evaluated as film loss by qualitative/quantitative ESEM-EDS analyses. Self-cleaning effectiveness was assessed by performing a photodegradation test of Rhodamine B. Crack-free and conformable films showed a good anchorage to both limestones; after the durability tests the coated surfaces exhibited almost unchanged Ti/Ca ratios and self-cleaning efficiencies. Large adhesion failures and decreased Ti amounts were recorded where coatings were fissured; they especially occurred on the surface of the compact limestone, along with a reduced self-cleaning ability. High surface roughness accounted for a better adhesion of both crack-free and fissured films to the soft limestone, but some erosion of the coated surface, which affected this friable stone under the water impact, compromised their preservation. Nonetheless, good self-cleaning performances were still provided due to the retention of nanoparticles under the surface.The overall results support that preservation of nanostructured TiO2 coatings on the stone surface depends on the inherent characteristics of both films and supports; durability of the stone itself can play an important role.

The effects of exposure to different humid environments in a commercial cold-cured epoxy adhesive were investigated. Samples were exposed up to one month to 55%, 75% and 100% relative humidity (RH) or immersed in liquid water, at a constant temperature (23 °C). Weight changes, thermal and mechanical properties before and at different stages of the aging, were discussed.In the examined aging conditions, absorbed water remained below 1% and saturation level was not achieved. Plasticization, reactivation of curing reactions and erasure of physical aging were observed in the specimens subjected to the different humidity regimes, all affecting both the thermal and the mechanical properties of the aged samples: while the Tg was influenced by plasticization mainly at shorter times of exposure and by post-curing at longer treatment times, the mechanical characteristics were less affected by these phenomena. These effects were found more pronounced at humidity levels higher than 75% RH. Doubly hydrogen-bonded water molecules linked to the network also influenced the Tg of the system, while they did not affect noticeably their flexural properties. Finally, the effects of water exposure can be regarded as equivalent to those of a thermal treatment at temperature around the Tg, i.e. both leading to an erasure of the physical aging.

Food preparation and consumption are strictly connected to everyday life, but they can be also viewed as indicators of human relations on many different levels: social, economic and political. The identification of vessels function is, therefore, an important source of information in the study of the practices related to eating and drinking, as well as in the investigation on the relationship between food habits, status, power and identity in the context of ancient societies (Goody 1982; Dietler 1996; Dietler, Hayden 2001; Bray 2003).Recent developments in chemical analysis of visible and absorbed organic residues in archaeological ceramics have opened up new perspectives in the study of pottery use (Pollard, Heron 1996; Evershed et al. 1997; 2002). The chemical characterization of the foodstuff cooked, consumed and stored in ancient vessels can be of crucial importance in determining vessels use, especially when the results are combined with contextual data: archaeozoological and palaeobotanical remains, shape and size of vessels, use-alteration analysis, pottery distribution.We report here on a study on food habits during Archaic age in the Messapian settlement of San Vito dei Normanni (south-eastern Italy), integrating chemical analysis of organic residues by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) with the problems in determining the actual use of pottery vessels from archaeological contexts. In the framework of a contextual approach the traditional examination of the pottery was supported by a series of analytical techniques: analysis of technological, morphological and stylistic characteristics, use-alteration and residue analysis.

This work describes an investigation of the chemical composition of organic residues from ceramic samples, performed by means of FTIR. The specimens were subjected to FTIR analyses carried out in Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) mode, in diffuse reflectance (DRIFT) mode and in transmittance mode, and the results were compared. The analytical techniques applied in this study allowed the characterization of the organic residues discovered on the internal surface of the investigated samples. Several chemical classes of residues were identified: vegetable resins, waxes, proteinaceous compounds and calcium tartrate, as well, this latter usually used as a marker of wine.Among the spectroscopic methodologies, the ATR mode resulted the most sensitive and really effective. This technique was able to detect traces of organic residues even on areas that appeared clean during the visual inspection by either naked-eye or the stereomicroscope. In fact, merely weak interferences were due to the ceramic support. In addition, the ATR technique is a non-destructive methodology, hence, it allowed to use the same sample for further analytical investigations, and, more importantly, preserve it without any damage.

Graffiti on facades often has a heavy impact in social and economic terms, particularly when historical and artistic artefacts are affected. To limit the damages to the surfaces, preventive plans are implemented and anti-graffiti coatings are used as a protective measure. In this study, the distribution of a spray paint inside a highly porous stone, with and without anti-graffiti protection, was investigated. Two commercial sacrificial anti-graffiti systems were used and an acrylic-based paint was applied as staining agent. Environmental scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) microanalysis were performed to characterise, from the morphological and chemical point of view, the anti-graffiti coatings and the paint. Maps of the main elements were acquired to locate the different products inside the stone. Chemical removers were used to clean the stained surfaces, then the effectiveness of the cleaning was assessed by visual observations and colour measurements, as well as on the basis of percentage of residual stain. The obtained results highlighted that the anti-graffiti efficacy strongly depended on the characteristics of the applied coating. This latter usually acted as a barrier, but good results were obtained only where the stain did not remain as a separate layer, but penetrated the protective coating. Microcracks in the anti-graffiti coating were able to ify the protective action.

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) is a versatile analytical method, very useful in many fields. Although a crucial step in producing good spectra is the use of the appropriate technique, the acquisition mode is sometimes not accurately selected and the results are partial or lacking.In recent years, FT-IR analysis has been proposed as a screening method for characterization of archaeological potteries and identification of the residues on these artifacts before turning to destructive, more expensive, and time-consuming techniques.In this study, a set of pottery shards, classified as fragments of amphorae, was subjected to FT-IR analyses. The results obtained from different sampling procedures and different spectra acquisition modes, were examined and compared.The as-received ceramic fragments were subjected to micro Attenuated Total Reflectance (?-ATR) analyses. Investigations in Diffuse Reflectance (DRIFT) mode were performed on samples collected by abrading the surfaces of the shards with abrasive paper. Samples scraped from either the surfaces of the pottery fragments or the interior of the ceramic body, were analyzed in transmission mode as a powder in KBr pellets or after extraction with acetone.The sampling by abrasion of the surface with an abrasive disk, and consequently the analyses in DRIFT mode, were successful only in identifying the inorganic compounds coming from the pottery and/or the environment, while materials related to the content of the jar were not detected. Also the analyses in transmission mode provided information mainly about inorganic materials, which, even where in a limited amount, masked the signals of organic compounds. Just an extraction with a solvent made it possible a more detailed, but still partial, characterization of these organic substances. On the contrary, the content of the jar was easily detected using the ?-ATR mode, even in areas where no residue was observed.

The present study was aimed at investigating, by FT-IR spectroscopy, residues in some wholearchaeological vases, different in form and dimensions, but all classified as containers for cosmetics.The analyses performed on the as-sampled material and after extraction with a solvent were examinedand compared. The results highlighted dissimilar composition of the residues for containers differentin shape and provenance. Lipids, vegetable resins, and proteinaceous compound were identified.Also some inorganic products (such as calcite or clay minerals) were found as intended ingredientsof the cosmetic preparations.The FT-IR spectroscopy provided a simple, quick and cheap analytical method, which allowsobtaining reliable and sound data using a limited preparation of the samples. In addition, thistechnique was found very useful in case of these unbroken precious artifacts, where damage hasto be avoided.

Natural stones with self-cleaning and depolluting abilities are appealing to preserve building façades in polluted urban sites and simultaneously to provide air-purification. Coating with photocatalytic Titanium dioxide is promising at this purpose; nonetheless, stone coating issues need better insights to support large-scale applications. In this paper, photocatalytic surfaces of two limestones having different roughnessess and porosities, are investigated by comparing coatings obtained from either water and alcohol based colloidal suspensions of TiO2 nanoparticles, which were synthetized by sol gel and hydrothermal process and sprayed with different loads on the stone surface. A commercial water-based TiO2 sol was also used. The study aims to assess the role of the substrates, the nature of the titania dispersions and the TiO2 loads, in determining characteristics and properties of the photocatalytic stone surfaces, in order to obtain suited coatings for real applications on buildings. Colorimetry detected negligible colour changes on both stone surfaces due to the coatings. A photodegradation test of Rhodamine B recorded a high self-cleaning efficiency on the coated surfaces, irrespective of the stones, the alcohol and water based suspensions, and their TiO2 loads. Conversely, the efficiency in a NOx abatement test was dependent on the porosity and roughness of the stones. ESEM-EDS on the applied coatings and XRD on the TiO2 nanopowders identified critical issues in the coating morphology and presence of by-products relating to the preparation of the sols, which may have implications in the durability performances.The overall results showed that all the obtained coatings were able to deliver photocatalytic surface of both limestones, which have a potential to be implemented as eco-efficient materials on buildings. Nonetheless, higher air purification ability issued for the limestone with higher porosity and roughness and the experimental TiO2 water-based sol performed better than the alcoholic and commercial ones as regards the coating morphology and absence of by-products.

The Petruzzelli Theatre in Bari (Southern Italy) is an important example of a nineteenth century "Politeama" (i.e. a venue intended for various forms of live entertainment) which was inaugurated in 1903. It was decorated with stucco elements, consisting of mouldings and decorations in greater or lesser relief present on the ceilings and walls, and on statues. In 1991 the Theatre was struck by a fire, which caused serious damage to the main auditorium, whose furnishings and roof were almost completely destroyed; the foyer was less badly affected, and a large part of the decorations (stucco, papier-mâché and wood) on the walls and ceilings remained apparently intact.On site examination by naked eye detected diverse forms of damage to the decorations ; both extensive blackening due to the presence of combustion deposits, and superficial "roasting", crumbling, cracks and separation of the stuccoes from the wall were observed in the areas affected by the flames. In contrast, in the areas furthest from the heart of the fire the damage appears to be basically due to the effect of high temperature fumes, with the presence of combustion deposits, underneath which the material seems intact.The present study aims at the characterization of the constituent materials and the painted surface decorations, as well as ascertaining the effects of the fire.It was carried out on the samples from the surviving parts of the stage-box decorations, directly affected by the fire, and on those present inside the foyer, affected by the fire to varying degrees. These stuccoes were compared with samples not affected by the fire, that were taken from rooms next to the Theatre.The composition and structure of the stuccoes and modifications related to the fire effect were investigated by Optical microscopy in transmitted and reflected light (LM) and ESEM, as well as by combined analytical techniques such as EDX DRX, FT-IR and DTA-TGA.The combined microscopic observations and analyses pointed out different types of stuccoes in terms of mineralogical-petrograhical composition. The effects of the fire action were identified in the formation of some new mineralogical phases, coming from the de-hydration of the gypsum binder, as well as from the mineral pigments used in the painted layers. Their presence allowed determining the different temperatures that were locally reached during the fire.Damage in the forms of microcracks affecting the stucco groundmass, detachments and melting of the superficial finishings were also observed, as well as micro-blisters likely due to the burning of the oil binder.

This paper reports a study of the effects of fire on the decorative stucco elements consisting of painted mouldings and decorations in the Petruzzelli Theatre in Bari (Southern Italy). The theatre was built at the end of the nineteenth century. In 1991 a fire caused serious damage to both materials and structure.Visible damage to the decorations included various deterioration patterns. The fire-related effects on both plaster and painted surface layers were subjected to in-depth investigation under laboratory conditions by focusing on mineralogical, chemical and microstructural alterations. Methods used included Optical Microscopy, Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with X-ray microanalysis, X-ray Diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and simultaneous Thermogravimetry-Differential Scanning Calorimetry.De-hydration of the gypsum binder and oxidation of the iron compounds caused new mineralogical phases to form in the stucco plaster. In some cases, microscopic observation suggested that calcination of the lime binder may have occurred in thin layers under the surface. Significant microstructural modifications were detected in the form of cracks and microcracks, due to thermal shock and gypsum dehydration. Phase transformations affected the structural integrity and the colour properties of the stucco plaster to different extents, up to a maximum depth of around 2.5. cm, while fissuring due to thermal shock penetrated to greater depths.Fire-related damage in the surface paint consisted of colour changes and/or disruption of the painted layers due to thermally-induced chemical reactions involving mineral pigments; detachment and burning of the painted layers from the direct action of flames, as well as accumulation of combustion deposits on the surface were also observed.

Many building materials have been functionalizedto achieve photocatalytic properties, namely selfcleaningand depolluting abilities, through the applicationof photocatalytic TiO2 nanoparticles to those materials.These nanoparticles are able to preserve building fac¸adesby blocking the deposition of airborne particulates in pollutedurban environments, and they are able to purify theair, thus benefiting the environment. In this study, theapplication of nanostructured TiO2 as a photoactive coatingon two types of natural stone was investigated. A TiO2 solobtained by sol-gel synthesis followed by hydrothermalprocessing was applied via spray deposition onto a compactlimestone and a highly porous calcarenite. The effectsof this coating on some basic properties of the stone, suchas its color and water absorption, and the photocatalyticeffectiveness of the coated surface were then studied.Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-rayspectroscopy showed that the coating presented a uniformmorphology on both types of stone, with the TiO2nanoparticles penetrating\1 lm into the stone. The coatingwas found to be compatible with the properties of theinvestigated types of stone. Colorimetry indicated that thechange in the color of the stone due to the coating wasnegligible. Measurements of the static contact angle andthe results of the capillary water absorption test showedthat photoinduced superhydrophilicity did not increase theamount of the water absorbed by the coated stone. Aphotodegradation test of rhodamine B demonstrated theself-cleaning ability of the coating on both types of stone.Conversely, the photocatalytic effectiveness of the coating--as measured by a nitrogen oxide abatement test--wasfound to be higher for the porous calcarenite than for thecompact limestone, and to depend on the porosity androughness of the substrate.

Three cold-cured epoxy resins, specifically designed as structural adhesives for rehabilitation or renewal applications of civil infrastructures and cultural heritage, were submitted to natural and artificial weathering. We evaluated the variations in the thermal and mechanical properties and color changes after an artificial treatment carried out at 70°C and 75% relative humidity and after natural weathering, performed in two areas of South Italy, both located adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea. The variations in properties due to both natural exposure and artificial weathering were qualitatively similar. However, the selected artificial weathering procedure appeared excessively severe compared to the weathering that occurred after outdoor exposure.

Novel hybrid systems, based on a silane functionalized bis-phenol A epoxy and a multifunctional novolac resin, both containing interpenetrating silica domains modified with small amounts of ammonium molybdate, have been investigated as adhesives for concrete rehabilitation. These new experimental formulations have been produced with the aim to achieve a good retention of properties when exposed for prolonged periods to the moist and wet environmental conditions. Particular attention has been given to the evolution and increase in Tg relatively to the neat resin system.

The effects of environmental aging at various levels of humidity were studied on the experimental formulations of epoxy-silica hybrids, specifically designed for curing at ambient temperature to be employed as adhesives for concrete and/or masonry structures. The addition of small amounts of ammonium molybdate to the amine hardener was investigated using thick section specimens (4.5 mm thick) capable of retaining substantial amounts of ethanol either originally added to the resin mixture or subsequently formed by the sol-gel hydrolysis and condensation reactions. The changes taking place during aging were evaluated in terms of variations in glass transition temperature (Tg), water absorption and mechanical properties. It has been found that during environmental aging in moist atmosphere the siloxane domains of the epoxy-silica hybrids undergo additional sol-gel reactions, which bring about a further increase in Tg and substantial increases in Young's modulus (Eflex) and flexural strength (?max flex). The observed effects were found to be enhanced by the addition of small amounts of ammonium molybdate to the formulation. Furthermore, the moisture in the atmosphere was found to assist the extraction of the residual ethanol in the specimens.

Many polymers, able to confer a hydrophobicity to treated surfaces, have been proposed for the restoration and conservation of civil and monumental buildings. Polysiloxanes, and their precursors, the silanes, have been frequently employed for stone protection. To avoid decay of the treated surfaces, the effectiveness and harmlessness of the treatment need to be carefully evaluated before application in the field. In this study, a commercial alkyl-siloxane was tested as a protective treatment on a highly porous stone, starting from water solutions with different contents of the product. The treatments have been devised to try to balance the requirements and the sustainability of the conservative actions. Sustainability, in terms of costs and environmental impact, is regarded as a key factor in the 21st century. Morphological observations of the stone surface, static contact angle and colour measurements, water vapour transmission test, and tests of water absorption were carried out to characterize the untreated and treated stones. A concentration below the minimum level suggested by the manufacturer was still able to act as a good barrier against water. More concentrated solutions produced polymer accumulation and coatings with extended cracks. The properties of the treated stone were affected by the presence of cracks in the coating.

The enhanced photocatalytic activity for degradation of a wide range of pollutants makes nanostructured TiO2 an ideal candidate for self-cleaning coatings.The deposition of different types of TiO2 nanocrystalline coatings on stone has been investigated in order to test the surface protection and self-cleaning abilities of the nanostructured materials. TiO2 nanocrystals with controlled size, shape and surface chemistry have been prepared by using two distinct synthetic approaches, namely colloidal synthesis by hot injection and hydrothermal nanophase crystallisation. Two different types of stones, possessing different porosity, namely porous calcarenite and a compact limestone have been selected, being both widely used in South Italian monuments and building relevant for cultural heritage.The physical properties of coated and uncoated stone surfaces, respectively, have been investigated, and colour, wettability and stability of the coatings have been checked. The self-cleaning properties of the nanostructured TiO2 coated surfaces under solar irradiation have been tested by monitoring the degradation of a model organic molecule, namely an organic dye. The obtained results have confirmed that the nanocrystalline TiO2 coatings are promising candidate for environmental protection upon appliance on either porous and compact stone. Moreover, the nanostructured TiO2 obtained colloidal synthesis by hot injection has demonstrated to provide hydrophobic treated surfaces.

The application of photocatalytic coatings on stone has been investigated for providing surface protection and self-cleaning properties. Sol-Gel and hydrothermal processes were used to synthesise TiO2 colloidal suspensions and coatings with enhanced photocatalytic activity without any thermal curing of the coated stone. The stone was a porous limestone (apulian sedimentary carbonatic, calcite stone). Films and powders prepared from TiO2 sols were studied using X-ray diffraction to evaluate the microstructure and identify rutile and anatase phases. A morphological and physical characterisation was carried out on coated and uncoated stone to establish the changes of appearance, colour, water absorption by capillarity and water vapour permeability. The photocatalytic activity of the coated surface was evaluated under UV irradiation through NOx and organics degradation tests. The performances of the synthesised TiO2 sols were compared with commercial TiO2 suspension. Since the coating doesn't need temperature treatments for activating the photocatalytic properties, the nano-crystalline hydrothermal TiO2 sols seem good candidate for coating applications on stone that cannot be annealed after the coating application.

In this study, two commercial sacrificial anti-graffiti systems, provided as water emulsion, were applied on a highly porous stone. The behavior of the anti-graffiti treatments was investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode (ATR-FTIR), colorimetric tests, and water static contact angle measurements. The presence of a protective coating enhanced the removal of paint sprayed on the stone. However, penetration of the staining agent below the surface, due to the high porosity of the substrate, caused difficulties in eliminating the paint. In fact, repeated cleaning procedures, involving hot water, mechanical action, and chemical removers, did not allow a complete removal of the paint. The examined systems behaved against graffiti in different ways. No affinity between the wax-based product and the paint was observed; nevertheless, this behavior did not result in good anti-graffiti performances. On the contrary, the penetration of the paint into the fluorine-based coating yielded a good anti-graffiti effectiveness, since the stain was easily eliminated from the surfaces. The anti-graffiti coatings survived in limited areas after the cleaning processes, although the studied compounds are suggested as sacrificial products. Such behavior may affect the maintenance activities, when the surface is no longer protected and the coating need to be renewed, since compatibility problems, as well as harmful accumulation, could occur because of further treatments on these surfaces.

The presented study is aimed at developing and studying the properties of innovative products for stone protection, to apply as monomers and subject to "in situ" polymerization induced by UV/visible radiations. The tested products are based on a trifunctional methacrylic monomer, where different amounts of a vinyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane, grafted with a mercaptosilane, were added; a photoinitiator capable to operate under UV radiation, was used. The liquid formulations, firstly characterized by calorimetric analyses and rheological measurements, were applied either on glass or on stone, in order to investigate the coating properties irrespective to the substrate; a moderately porous calcarenite and a limestone with very low porosity, were used. Immediately after the treatments some specimens were exposed to an UV source to activate photopolymerization, other samples were stored in a dark area. Superficial strength, static contact angle and color properties, were measured. In addition, morphological observations by ESEM, EDS microanalyses and FTIR analyses, were carried out on the treated stone surfaces. This study highlighted a strict dependence of the coating properties not only on the exposition to the UV radiation but especially on the substrate features. Furthermore, the evaluation of the surface properties was of great importance to correct the formulation of the products and improve their performances.

The crypt of St. Nicholas in Bari, Southern Italy, is a building of cultural worldwide importance. Inside the crypt a mosaic develops on the apsidal floor and along a parietal seat placed along the apsidal masonry, in the form of cladding. A surviving portion of the mosaic pavement is also preserved in the right lateral chapel. Integrated non-destructive survey and laboratory analyses were undertaken for the diagnostic study of the mosaic. GPR prospection was successfully applied to the study of its conservation state, that is strictly related to the condition of the subsoil, in particular to the presence and distribution of water. The presence of water, whose rise interests also some portions of the masonry and water content distribution were identified by the results of electromagnetic wave velocity analysis in GPR data.The decay visible on the tesserae evidenced widespread spalling and crumbling as typical forms that selectively affect the different materials of the tesserae of the mosaic. Samples taken from them were investigated by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, ion chromatography, infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analyses, in order to identify the constituent materials and the products of their decay.The application of the integrated methodologies showed its effectiveness in order to acquire a quite complete knowledge for diagnostic purpose. Decay appeared to be due to the combined presence of water and soluble salts and it has different effects depending on the materials characteristics.