Methods of Non-Destructive Testing

The scope of the course is to develop a contemporary understanding of the necessity and utility of modern non destructive diagnostic methodology in art conservation. Through a methodology and specific protocols based on technologies of non destructive testing (NDT) like spectral imaging techniques, inspection in non visible spectrum, etc., the condition, the materials and the manufacturing technique of the objects can be examined before, during and after any restoration attempt. Furthermore, these methodologies can be useful in guiding and evaluating invasive conservation treatment. The course aims to acquire the necessary theoretical training and experience of applying non-destructive techniques to both archaeological objects and works of art as well as to develop critical thinking for proper interpretation, comparative analysis and exploitation of experimental results.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Course Theory

Introduction, definition and basic principles of application of non-destructive testing methods. Limits, complementarity and possibilities of methods. Methodology and Flowchart.

Interaction of electromagnetic radiation and matter, UV-visible absorption, electronic transitions on organic molecules, complex ions and semiconductors.

Color as a physical property of materials (color stimulus), Colorimetric principles, primary and complementary colors, additive and subtractive method, Color and absorption spectrum, interpretation of color of pigments and dyes. Color measurement systems.

Visual Inspection (macro photography, tangential illumination using monochromatic radiation).

Ultraviolet Reflection Imaging – Ultraviolet Fluorescence Imaging (UV characteristics, light sources, technical utility, applications),

Infrared Reflectography (Scattering absorption theory, infrared penetration capability, Spectral imaging, method utility – applications).

False Color Infrared Reflectography The use of false colors in object diagnostics. Principle of Technique – Applications.

Infrared Fluorescence Reflectance

Thermography

The use of X-rays in object diagnostics, radiography, x-ray,

Optical Microscopy – Special Observation Techniques, Fluorescence Microscopy. Principle of the method, examples of applications

Data management and processing, results evaluation

Course Practicals

N/A

 

COURSE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Course aims: The purpose of the course is to develop a contemporary understanding of the necessity and utility of modern non destructive diagnostic methodology in art conservation. Through a methodology and specific protocols based on technologies of non destructive testing (NDT) like spectral imaging techniques, inspection in non visible spectrum, etc., the condition, the materials and the manufacturing technique of the objects can be examined before any restoration attempt. Further more these methodologies can be useful in guiding and evaluating invasive conservation treatment. The course aims to acquire the necessary theoretical training and experience of applying non-destructive techniques to both archaeological objects and works of art as well as to develop critical thinking for proper interpretation, comparative analysis and exploitation of experimental results.

Course objectives:

After successful course attendance the student should:
• have an understanding of the basic principles of operation of the methods and their specific protocols.
• be able to apply simple non-destructive diagnostic techniques, know the basic characteristics of the equipment and its management tools.
• be able to distinguish, select, combine, evaluate and interpret information acquired from NDT methods;
• successfully utilise the results of non-destructive testing in making decisions about the condition and conservation of objects over time.
• Use image processing software (e.g.Adobe Photoshop) and use specific databases (ifac.cnr, copa hypothesis.org etc.).

STUDENT ASSESSMENT
Language of evaluation: Greek

The student’s final grade results from 50% of the grade of the theoretical part and 50% of the grade of laboratory practice.
Students’ evaluation (100%):
I. Written final exam in theory (50%) which includes:
multiple choice questions, open-ended questions, critical questions, comparison data.
II. Evaluation of students’ performance during the laboratory exercises which includes laboratory written assignments (technical reports) and short written evaluation (50%).

SUGGESTED BIBLIOGRAPHY
6th International Conference on non-Destructive Testing and Microanalysis for the diagnostics and Conservation of the cultural heritage, Proc., Vol. I, II, III, 2000
7th International Conference on non-Destructive Testing and Microanalysis for the diagnostics and Conservation of the cultural heritage, Proc., Vol. I, II, III, 2000.
 A.Alexopoulou and A.-A.Kaminari, 2010: “Study and documentation of an icon of “Saint George” by Angelos using infrared reflectography” Icons by the hand of Angelos. The Painting Method of a fifteenth-century Cretan Painter, Benaki Museum.
A.Alexopoulou, 2003: “Physical chemical Study and Documentation” in the volume titled “Dialogue on Icons – Loverdos Collection” of the four volume scientific book: “DiARTgnosis: Study of European religious painting”, CULTURE 2000/A2/GR-96, Byzantine and Christian Museum.
A.Alexopoulou, 2004: “Comparative study of 12 icons of the Loverdos’ Collection” in the CDROM titled “DiARTgnosis: Study of European religious painting” Byzantine and Christian Museum, Edited by University of Westminster.
Artioli, G., 2010, Scientific Methods and Cultural Heritage An introduction to the application of materials science to archaeometry and conservation science, New York: Oxford University Press
Bergeon Langle, S., Brunel, G., 2014, La Restauration des Œuvres d’ Art, Paris : Herman
Bowman S.G.E. (ed.) (1991) Science and the past. British Museum Publications, London.
Brothwell D.R. and Higgs E. (eds) (1969) Science in archaeology. New York: Praeger Publishers
Brothwell, Don R. ; Pollard, A. M.Handbook of archaeological sciences, Wiley 2001, Chichester
Byzantine icons Art, Technique and Technology”, Genadios Library, Crete University Press, Hiraklio 2002
Charola, E. and Koestler R.J., 2006, Methods in Conservation in Conservation Science. Heritage Materials (Eds) Eric May, Mark Jones, Cambridge: RSC Publishing.
Ciliberto, E. and Spoto, G. (2000) Modern analytical methods in art and archaeometry, New York: John Wiley & Sons.
EBERHART, J.P. Structural and Chemical Analysis of Materials, John Wiley and Sons, 1995
Ed. By K.M. Paraskevopoulou, Physics in Culture I. The Solid State Physics in the Study of Cultural Heritage. A.U.T., Vol. I, 2000
European Confederation of Conservator-Restorers’ Organisations (ECCO),2002, Professional Guidelines. Untitled Document 214/08
Goffer Z. (1980) Archaeological chemistry. John Wiley & Sons, New York. 2nd Edition
Lambert J.B. (1997) Traces of the past. Unraveling the secrets of archaeology through chemistry. Addison-Wesley, Reading.).
Leute U. (1987) Archaeometry. An introduction to physical methods in archaeology and the history of art. VCH, Weinheim and New York.,
M. S. Tite, Archaeological science – Past achievements and Future prospects Archaeometry 33, 2 (1991), 139-151.
Nassau, K., (1983), The Physics and Chemistry of Color, Chichester: John Wiley & Sons
Pollard A.M. and Heron C. (1996) Archaeological chemistry. The Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge. 2nd Edition (2008).
Punis, A., (1992), Introduction to the Mineral Science, Cambridge University Press
Tilley, R.J.D, 2011, Colour and the Optical Properties of Materials: an exploration of the relationship between light, the optical properties of materials and colour, Chichester: John Wiley & Sons
Tite M.S. (1972) Methods of physical examination in archaeology. Seminar Press, London.,
Winter J. (2005) In: Proc. of the Workshop on “Scientific examination of art. Modern techniques in conservation and analysis”. Washington, DC, March 19–21, 2003. The National Academies Press, Washington.
Y.Chryssoulakis, A.Alexopoulou, 1989: “Physicochemical Behaviour of the Paint Layers” in “The Application of Physicochemical Methods of Analysis and image Processing Techniques to Painted Works of Art” Erasmus Bureau, Athens,
Α.Αlexopoulou, O.Kanakari, A, Kalliga, V.Paschalis, 1997: “Physicochemical Study and Documentation of two funerary Portraits belonging to the Collection of the Benaki Museum” in the book Portraits and Musks. Burial Customs in Roman Egypt” Ed. The Trustees of the British Museum

Journals:
Journal of Spectral Imaging
Journal of Non Destructive Testing
Journal of Archeological Science
Journal of Cultural Heritage