Basic chemistry for conservators

COURSE IN PORTUGUESE JUSTIFICATION: This course will address the applications of chemistry in the preservation of cultural assets. The chemical structure of the main materials found in cultural and historical collections will be presented and how the processes of degradation of paper, metals, stone materials, wood and paintings occur. Through knowledge of the materials it will be possible to predict efficient conservation methodologies for each case. Finally, the use of instrumental methods in the analysis of materials constituting cultural and historical collections will be addressed in order to help students in the best choice of method, optimizing time and the use of human and financial resources. GOALS: 1. Recognize organic and inorganic materials in cultural assets and their physicochemical characteristics. 2. Identify the basic degradation mechanisms of the materials presented and propose conservation measures. 3. Introductory knowledge of methods of analysis and characterization of cultural assets. CONTENT Class 1 - Introduction to chemistry applied to cultural heritage. Classes 2 and 3 - Chemistry of Materials I: paper and stone materials. Class 4 and 5 - Chemistry of Materials II: Paints, varnishes, adhesives and deterioration of pictorial materials. Classes 6 and 7 - Chemistry of Materials III: Metals, Wood, and spectroscopic applications. Class 8 - Introduction to instrumental methods of analysis of constituents of cultural assets. Note: Course recorded in 2022 with the participation of students