INNOVATIVE METHODOLOGIES FOR APPLIED PETROGRAPHY

The aim is to provide advanced knowledge about innovative analytical techniques for the characterization of stone materials, both natural and artificial, together with the know-how required to write research projects in the field of materials archaeometry, industrial processes and environmental issues. 

In reference to the "Dublin Descriptors", this course contributes to acquiring the following skills 

1. Knowledge and understanding

•In-depth knowledge of the most recent analytical techniques for petrographic characterization (e.g., advanced microscopy, spectroscopies, microanalysis, digital imaging, non-destructive techniques).

•Understanding of the theoretical principles and the potential/limitations of each methodology.

2. Applying knowledge and understanding

•Ability to critically select and apply innovative analytical techniques in relation to specific research or conservation issues.

•Integrated use of instrumental and digital methods for the analysis of natural and artificial materials.

•Development of operational skills for drafting a research project in applied petrography (definition of objectives, methodology, experimental plan).

3. Making judgements

•Ability to identify the most suitable methods for scientific or applicative problems.

•Ability to critically analyze, interpret, and process experimental data obtained through different techniques.

4. Communication skills

•Ability to present a scientific topic orally with appropriate language.

•Oral and written presentation of a research project.

5. Learning skills

•Acquisition of self-learning abilities and advanced bibliographic research skills.

•Development of independent research skills and preparation for advanced research activities or further educational paths (e.g., PhD).

Taught class; Practice exercises in the reading of scientific papers and redaction of a research project. 

"Information for students with disabilities and/or DSA - To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students can request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on educational objectives and specific needs. You can also contact the CInAP (Active and Participatory Integration Center - Services for Disabilities and/or DSA) contact teacher of our Department, Prof. Giorgio De Guidi."

Base knowledge in mineralogy, petrography, chemistry and physics is required.

Mandatory. For working students, see the guidelines of Catania University

If the lectures will be held in mixt mode or in remote, variations could be applied. 

Innovative analytical methodologies (destructive, non-destructive, micro-destructive and non-invasive); advanced applications to natural and artificial stone materials (stones, pigments, glass, traditional and industrial ceramics, plasters, mortars…) in the fields of archaeology (materials archaeometry), industry (production processes) and environment (effects of pollution on the stone materials).

Elemental techniques • Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and Laser Ablation (LA-ICP-MS) • Hints to portable X-ray Fluorescence (pXRF) • Case studies;

Molecular Vibrational techniques • Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), in Attenuated Total reflectance (ATR) and Diffuse reflectance (DRIFT) • Raman Spectroscopy and Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) • Case studies;

Microscopy techniques • Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) • Comparison with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) • Case studies;

Multispectral Imaging techniques • UV fluorescence • IR reflectography • Case studies;

Synchrotron radiation and image analysis • Synchrotron radiation analysis and X-ray microtomography • 2D and 3D imaging • Case studies;

Other techniques based on synchrotron radiation • Synchrotron radiation X-ray Diffraction (SR-XRD) • X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) • Case studies;

Neutron-based techniques • Neutrons properties • Neutronography • Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) and comparison with Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP) • Time of flight neutron diffraction (TOF-ND) and comparison with classic X-ray Diffraction • Case studies;

Typologies and structure of a research project, practice exercise for the redaction of a final project. 

Course notes and publications in scientific journals.

Recommended text:

Alfredo Castellano, Marco Martini, Emanuela Sibilia. “Elementi di archeometria. Metodi fisici per i beni culturali”, EGEA 2007.

Redaction of a research project; oral exam concerning the subjects of the course.

Questions concerning the presented research project

Choice of the best suited methodologies to solve a given problem

Distinction of elemental and molecular techniques

Types of answers that can be obtained from a given technique

Comparison between traditional and innovative methods