Project: CRYstallization damage at the INterfaces of ARTworks

Acronym	CRYSTINART (Reference Number: JJPICH-128)
Duration	01/06/2020 - 31/05/2023
Project Topic	One of the most common deterioration problems affecting cultural heritage worldwide is crystallization damage caused by an interplay between salts, environmental changes and material properties. Especially porous materials are susceptible to salt crystallization. It threatens artworks such as sculptures, ceramics, frescoes, paintings, archeological objects and buildings in museums as well as outdoor environments. Most of these artworks are made of an assembly of layered materials with different physicochemical properties. Additional layers of material are sometimes added as conservation measures. The properties of all materials involved and the interfaces between these materials affect the artwork’s susceptibility to deterioration. Much progress has been made in recent years to understand the impact of salt crystallization in single materials. In the more realistic scenario of multiple materials, many questions remain unanswered related to the interfaces between material layers.We aim to develop an integrated approach for modelling and analysis of the decay of artworks due to salt crystallization in layered materials. We will combine experimental, theoretical and numerical studies at the micro-scale to model the interaction between salt crystallization and mechanical response at the interface regions of layered materials. We will translate this information to what happens on the macro-scale, and develop effective predictive and user-friendly tools that describe macroscopic material behaviour for broad range of artefact types. This enables the prediction of damage scenarios for layered materials in artworks. We will develop new conservation strategies based on these predictions, and make them internationally available.CRYSTINART is possible because of recent developments in highly advanced experimental techniques like high-resolution X-ray computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and confocal Raman and 3D-laser scanning microscopy in combination with advances in micro-macro finite-element numerical modelling. Our research team consists of internationally leading experts, covering all scientific and technical disciplines.
Project Results (after finalisation)	https://crystinart.com/
Network	JPI Cultural Heritage
Call	Joint research on conservation, protection and use of cultural heritage

Project partner

Number	Name	Role	Country
1	University of Amsterdam	Coordinator	Netherlands
2	Eindhoven University of Technology	Partner	Netherlands
3	Università di Bologna	Partner	Italy
4	Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour	Partner	France