PRODUCT AND PROCESS INNOVATION FOR MAINTENANCE, PRESERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMMED RESTORATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE

The degradation of the cultural heritage begins immediately after its implementation and the speed of degradation depends on both natural and anthropogenic factors. The process of deterioration is progressive and irreversible, and the timing and mode of impact is different depending on the characteristics of materials and “compatibility” between them as well as on constructive techniques, physical-chemical agents and biological processes that are involved. At today, limits imposed by European Community about the air pollution have been issued by States aiming at the safeguard of human health and ecosystem, but without any concern about the possible damages to the archaeological site. The protection and restoration of cultural heritages can be reached thought experimental studies, in the laboratory and outdoor, on the alterations/modifications affecting the materials and the technological systems used for the construction of the artistic patrimony. Then, it will be consequential and strategic to develop innovative biological methodologies that employ microorganisms and henzimes, which can reproduce the same biological processes occurring in the environment, enabling the “bio-restoration” of artistic materials. The use of these innovative tools (biocides) together with new soft chemicals will favour the maintenance of the dynamic ecosystem equilibrium allowing the implementation of non-invasive treatment methods. For the purpose, a great variety of diagnostic techniques will be used to determine the influence of each factor in the process of degradation. Moreover, strategies for a low cost maintenance of cultural heritage based on archeo-technologies including wireless sensors, in situ and ex situ measurements, a data storage and processing system, coupled with a predictive model for the economic evaluation of interventions, will be performed and a specific software of "governance" will be implemented and demostrated in different cases of study. The project will carry out an economic evaluation of optimized new techniques. The final goal of the project is: 1) implement actions and interventions for the management of the resources available for cultural policies through the development of a technological platform for scheduling preventive maintenance actions; 2) develop new products for restoration of monuments, not harmful for human health, of low environmental impact, highly selective and of low cost. 3) suggest all local authorities to adopt and maintain active plans for long term maintenance of cultural heritage.