Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Mathilda L. Coutinho, Joao Pedro Veiga, Andreia Ruivo, Teresa P. Silva, Eduardo Salas-Colera, Silvia Bottura-Scardina, Augusta Lima, Elin Figueiredo, Marine Cotte, Maria Margarida R. Lima
Summary: Chinese blue-and-white porcelain is significant evidence of global trade routes and cultural exchange. Research has shown that the blue color of the porcelain is determined by the speciation of cobalt and iron, which can also be affected by the firing atmosphere conditions.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL ATOMIC SPECTROMETRY
(2022)
Article
Archaeology
Soraia Teixeira, Marcia Vilarigues, Augusta Lima, Rita Branquinho, Luis Dias, Mathilda L. Coutinho
Summary: This study tested different cleaning methods for the removal of calcium incrustations from modern glazed artworks and evaluated their effectiveness through mass variation measurements, microscopy techniques, and mu-Raman. Results showed that the glassy phase was the most affected, with Ionex H being the least harmful cleaning product. A combined approach using microblasting and Ionex H was found to be most effective.
JOURNAL OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Marcia Vilarigues, Andreia Ruivo, Thijs Hagendijk, Mario Bandiera, Mathilda Coutinho, Luis C. Alves, Sven Dupre
Summary: This study investigates the effect of melting conditions and furnaces on the final colors of historical glasses by reproducing three recipes of red enamel glass. The results show that the melting conditions have no significant impact on color differences, but samples produced in electric furnaces at 1200 degrees C exhibit a high degree of crystallinity and fast crystallization at room temperature. The historically optimal temperature range to avoid crystal formation is between 1050 and 1100 degrees C.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED GLASS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ana Z. Miller, Nicasio T. Jimenez-Morillo, Mathilda L. Coutinho, Fernando Gazquez, Vera Palma, Francesco Sauro, Manuel F. C. Pereira, Fernando Rull, Theofilos Toulkeridis, Ana T. Caldeira, Paolo Forti, Jose M. Calaforra
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive assessment of speleothems from volcanic caves of the Galapagos Islands, revealing their composition, origin, and the presence of organic molecules. The interactions between organic matter and minerals, as well as biologically-mediated silica precipitation, were confirmed within the speleothems, highlighting environmental and anthropogenic impacts on these unique underground resources.
Article
Spectroscopy
Peter Vandenabeele, Catarina Pereira Miguel, Anastasia Rousaki, Silvia Bottura Scardina, Mathilda Larsson-Coutinho, Miriam Pressato, Antonio Candeias
Summary: Raman spectroscopy is widely used in the analysis of art objects due to its non-destructive nature and the availability of mobile instruments. However, the stable positioning required by Raman spectroscopy limits its accessibility to every spot of large artifacts. Therefore, exploring the use of zoom lenses for Raman investigation at different working distances is valuable.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alexandra P. Rodrigues, Pedro M. P. Santos, Joao Pedro Veiga, Maria Helena Casimiro, Luis M. Ferreira
Summary: Sol-gel production of hybrid materials has revolutionised materials' engineering and the creation of new materials. However, this method has limitations that can be overcome by radiation processing. In this study, electron beam irradiation was used to synthesize hybrid structures using silanol-terminated PDMS, TEOS, and TPOZ as precursors. The effectiveness of the method was evaluated through gel fraction determination, WDXRF, and FTIR-ATR. Results showed that radiolysis induced scission on precursor's structures, leading to the formation of hybrid networks. Electron beam irradiation was found to be effective in creating Si-O-Zr bonds, resulting in the production of a Class II hybrid material.
Review
Microbiology
Antonio Carrapico, Maria Rosario Martins, Ana Teresa Caldeira, Jose Mirao, Luis Dias
Summary: Nanoparticles, especially metal nanoparticles, exhibit unique physical and chemical properties that make them suitable for diverse applications. However, the mechanisms underlying their antimicrobial activities and biosynthesis are still not well determined. This review compiles and proposes evidence-based mechanisms, including enzymatic disturbance by internalized metal ions and the role of reducing and negatively charged molecules. Recent studies on the biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles using microorganisms, particularly bacteria for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, were summarized and analyzed. Furthermore, the potential use of metal nanoparticles in preserving cultural heritage materials was discussed.
Article
Archaeology
Adam Gaspar, Jan Petrik, Pavel Fojtik, Anna Tsoupra, Basira Mir-Makhamad, Ana Cardoso, Massimo Beltrame, Jose Mirao, Nick Schiavon, Jan Kolar
Summary: The Bell Beaker site near Brodek u Prostejova in Czechia has uncovered a large timber construction accompanied by four ritual deposits containing over fifty ceramic vessels. The vessels are decorated with incised patterns, with some having inlaid white incrustations. A multi-analytical and micro-destructive approach was used to determine the origins and technology of the pottery and the composition of the incrustations. The results suggest that the pottery came from various sources in the region, with the presence of extra-regional fabrics and graphitic temper. The white inlays were made from calcium carbonate, hydroxyapatite, and clay. The unique manufacturing processes and combination of decorative motifs indicate that the site served as a ritual place for multiple communities.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Anthropology
Emmanuelle Meunier, Filipa Dias, Joao Fonte, Alexandre Lima, Alexandra Rodrigues, Carlo Bottaini, Rui J. C. Silva, Joao P. Veiga, Manuel F. C. Pereira, Elin Figueiredo
Summary: This paper presents a comprehensive study on the evidence for ancient tin mining at the Ervedosa mine in Portugal. The geological context of the site indicates a rich cassiterite deposit, and ancient mining tools were recovered, providing evidence of prehistoric mining activities.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fabio Sitzia, Carla Lisci, Vera Pires, Tiago Alves, Jose Mirao
Summary: This study conducted a laboratory simulation of a subarctic climate and assessed the physical/mechanical properties of slates. The results showed a decrease in mechanical performance and changes in physical properties after the climate simulation. Sun exposure experiment revealed no substantial color changes in the slates.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Carla Lisci, Fabio Sitzia, Vera Pires, Marco Aniceto, Jose Mirao
Summary: The long-term endurance of building stones is crucial for their economic and social value. Glossy surfaces are more vulnerable to wear, especially when exposed to slightly acidic rainwater. Hydrophobic treatments may prevent the damage caused by rain, but they are not always durable. This study compares natural aging and artificial weathering to predict the behavior of stones over time.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Luis Almeida, Antonio Santos Silva, Rosario Veiga, Jose Mirao
Summary: This paper addresses the physical and mechanical characteristics of renders and plasters from selected buildings awarded during the 20th century in Lisbon, Portugal. The study aims to understand the evolution of mortars and determine compatibility requirements for future conservation and restoration interventions.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Forough Armal, Luis Dias, Jose Mirao, Vera Pires, Fabio Sitzia, Sergio Martins, Mafalda Costa, Pedro Barrulas
Summary: Water action is the primary cause of stone decay and chromatic changes in stone building materials. Protective eco-friendly hydrophobic coatings are efficient in preventing water penetration into stone. This study investigated different hydrophobic coatings and their correlation with limestone, dolomite, marble, and granitoid to tackle water action. The results show that a coating composed of silane/siloxane with modified fluorinated additives is the most effective, compatible, and durable.
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Teresa P. Silva, Daniel de Oliveira, Joao P. Veiga, Vitor Lisboa, Jorge Carvalho, M. Alexandra Barreiros, Mathilda L. Coutinho, Eduardo Salas-Colera, Rogerio Vigario
Summary: Bluish-grey limestones are commonly used for decoration purposes and may undergo color changes in outdoor environments. This study used various techniques to analyze the reason for color changes in limestone and found that UV radiation has a significant impact on the limestone's color.
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Alexandra Rodrigues, Mathilda L. Coutinho, Carla Machado, Luis Cerqueira Alves, Andreia Machado, Marcia Vilarigues
Summary: This study presents the first assessment of the chemical composition of Germanic grisaille on a wide chronology through the stained-glass collection of King Ferdinand II of Portugal. The results reveal the preference for copper-based grisaille before the 18th century and the increased diversity in composition in the 19th century.