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Non-Destructive Techniques for Heritage Conservation

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 December 2026 | Viewed by 5237

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Editors

Dr. Amélia Dionísio

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CERENA, Department of Mineral and Energy Resources Engineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: stone; cultural heritage; masonry; environment; geophysics; geochemistry; sustainibility; diagnosis; conservation
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Dr. Graça Vasconcelos

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Guest Editor

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
Interests: assessment of masonry buildings; timber-frame structures; seismic vulnerability assessment; conservation of historic buildings

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Heritage conservation is vital to preserving cultural and historical artifacts for future generations. Non-destructive techniques (NDTs) have emerged as indispensable tools in this field, offering innovative methods to assess, monitor, and protect heritage materials and structures in a non-evasive way. These techniques allow for researchers and conservators to gain comprehensive insights into the structural, chemical, and physical properties of artifacts, as well as their degradation processes and the effects of past conservation efforts. They are applicable to a diverse range of heritage materials and structures, including ancient monuments, stone, metals, ceramics, glass, canvas paintings, frescoes, murals, delicate manuscripts, and more. By combining advanced NDTs, informed decisions can be made about sustainable preservation strategies. This Special Issue invites contributions that highlight novel applications, interdisciplinary methodologies, and cutting-edge advancements in non-destructive techniques for heritage conservation, emphasizing their role in safeguarding cultural legacies in the face of environmental challenges and aging processes.

Dr. Amélia Dionísio
Dr. Graça Vasconcelos
Guest Editors

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Keywords

non-destructive techniques (NDT)
heritage conservation
material diagnosis
structural diagnosis
materials and structures data
preservation strategies

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 2679 KB

Open AccessArticle

Preserving Heritage Spaces by a Tea Tree Oil-Loaded Silica Microparticles System for Air Purification

by Anna Laura Tassi, Pilar Bosch-Roig, Andrea Bernardos, María Cebriá-Mendoza, María Dolores Marcos, Ramón Martínez-Máñez, Daniela Pinna, Alessia Santiglia, Laura Santagostini and Vittoria Guglielmi

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(15), 7674; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16157674 - 2 Aug 2026

Viewed by 259

Abstract

Airborne fungi and bacteria pose a severe challenge for conservators, as they can settle on artistic surfaces, leading to chemical, physical and aesthetic degradation of artworks. A new air-cleaning system has been developed to reduce indoor airborne microorganisms by leveraging the antimicrobial potential of Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Essential Oil (TTEO) encapsulated within the pores of MCM-41 mesoporous silica microparticles (MCM-TTEO), thereby extending its antimicrobial activity and enhancing its efficacy. Experimental data showed a progressive release of TTEO from the MCM-TTEO system during the 5 weeks monitoring. The release rate was quite linear in the first week, reaching about 16.2%, before plateauing at approximately 30% in the next weeks. A comparison of the performances of the MCM-TTEO system with those of the non-encapsulated (‘free’) TTEO was performed using a comprehensive air quality monitoring approach, which tracked temperature, relative humidity, microbial loads and particulate matter. Results demonstrate that the MCM-TTEO system maintained higher biocidal activity over the 5-week study period than the free EO. Furthermore, the biocidal efficacy increased when the MCM-TTEO system was used in direct contact with microorganisms. These promising findings highlight the potential for exploring different combinations of the two components in both passive and active configurations, including the development of air filtration systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-Destructive Techniques for Heritage Conservation)

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28 pages, 39708 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Masterpiece from the Renaissance: The Offiziolo Durazzo

by Elisa Calà, Angelo Agostino, Cristina Fornacelli, Marcello Picollo, Emanuela Ferro and Maurizio Aceto

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(14), 7051; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16147051 - 14 Jul 2026

Viewed by 331

Abstract

The manuscript known as Offiziolo Durazzo, a Book of Hours kept in Genoa at Biblioteca Civica Berio, is among the most notable artistic evidence of the Renaissance. The manuscript was investigated through a fully non-invasive approach involving UV–visible fibre-optic diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry (FORS), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), multiband imaging (MBI), and hyperspectral imaging (HSI). The study focused on both the purple parchment and the decorative apparatus, with the aim of improving our understanding of the materials, manufacturing techniques, and state of conservation, while providing scientific evidence to support appropriate conservation strategies, including storage and exhibition conditions. The results of the spectroscopic investigation represent the consistent characterisation of the palette used by the artist Francesco Marmitta, revealing a rich and heterogeneous selection of valuable materials, such as ultramarine blue, vermillion, insect dyes, malachite, gold, and silver. MBI and HSI enabled a spatial investigation of the materials and colour across the manuscript. HSI data were used for both material mapping and colour analysis, revealing subtle spatial heterogeneities associated with the parchment structure, dye distribution, and conservation-related phenomena. HSI data were further exploited to obtain CIELAB colour maps, enabling the assessment of chromatic variability across the manuscript. In decorated areas, the combined interpretation of MBI and HSI spectral mapping allowed the visualisation of the colourant distribution and paint mixtures, providing insights into artistic techniques, material selection, and workshop practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-Destructive Techniques for Heritage Conservation)

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24 pages, 3637 KB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Invasive and Micro-Invasive Characterization of the Tempera Painting Cristo in Trono (Amalfi, SA, Italy) by Domenico Morelli and Paolo Vetri: A Multivariate Statistic Approach Applied to Spectroscopic Data

by Chiara Gallo, Sara Carbone, Maria Ricciardi, Antonio Faggiano, Eduardo Caliano, Oriana Motta and Antonio Proto

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(14), 6934; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16146934 - 10 Jul 2026

Viewed by 422

Abstract

Non-destructive diagnostic approaches play a crucial role in cultural heritage studies by enabling the assessment of artworks’ conservation conditions without causing damage. This work presents the case study of the tempera painting Cristo in Trono, by Domenico Morelli and Paolo Vetri, located in Amalfi (SA, Italy). A multi-analytical approach combining portable and non-invasive techniques was employed. Hygrometric tomography revealed anomalous surface moisture values (up to 23 units) along the edges and wooden joints, identifying areas requiring particular attention during conservation. Infrared reflectography (IR-R) detected preparatory drawings, compositional changes, and evidence of previous restoration interventions. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) identified the elemental composition of the pigments, indicating the use of cinnabar (or vermilion), ultramarine (or lapis lazuli), ochres, lead white (Biacca), and brass (Orone) for the golden background. Multivariate statistical analysis of the XRF data (PCA and HCA) revealed compositional heterogeneity and chemically distinct areas within apparently similar chromatic regions. Micro-invasive analyses complemented these results by providing information on the stratigraphy and material composition. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy identified polyvinyl acetate (PVA), attributed to previous restoration treatments and associated with the yellowing of lead white, together with protein-based binders. Microscopic observations revealed the woven structure of the support, pigment-layer cracking, and degradation features, while the interaction of the brass with atmospheric agents and marine chlorides was found to be responsible for the alteration of the original golden background to a greenish-gold hue. The lower part of the canvas exhibited the most severe deterioration, resulting from higher moisture levels, unsuitable past restoration treatments, and prolonged exposure to humidity, atmospheric pollutants, and marine aerosols, highlighting the importance of integrated diagnostic investigations for planning effective conservation and restoration strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-Destructive Techniques for Heritage Conservation)

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32 pages, 132376 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mission-Gilded Baroque Terracotta Sculptures by Lorenzo Vaccaro: A Multi-Analytical Investigation of Materials and Degradation

by Andrea Macchia, Laura Palermo, Camilla Zaratti, Irene Angela Colasanti, Federica Valentini and Tilde de Caro

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(10), 4875; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16104875 - 13 May 2026

Viewed by 745

Abstract

This study presents a multi-analytical investigation of two Baroque gilded terracotta sculptures—Hercules and the Nemean Lion (Hercules A) and Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra (Hercules B)—attributed to Lorenzo Vaccaro (1655–1706) and preserved at the Museo Civico Gaetano Filangieri in Naples. This research aimed to reconstruct the original manufacturing technique, characterize materials introduced by successive restoration interventions, and identify active degradation mechanisms. A systematic diagnostic approach integrating UV fluorescence imaging, digital optical microscopy, portable energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDXRF), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode (FTIR-ATR), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and spectrocolorimetry was applied. The original gilding system—comprising a ferruginous silico-aluminous terracotta substrate, a calcium sulfate ground, a lead-white imprimitura, an iron-rich bole, and a thin gold leaf—is consistent with documented Baroque mission gilding practices in Southern Italy. Analytical evidence further documented extensive non-original interventions, including copper-based artificial patination, bronze powder (porporina) integration, poly (vinyl acetate) adhesives, and acrylic protective coatings. Raman spectroscopy identified the in situ conversion of intentionally applied tenorite (CuO) to malachite (Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂) as an active degradation pathway. Spectrocolorimetric measurements quantified chromatic alterations of up to ΔE = 52 attributable to accumulated surface deposits. The proposed integrated methodology constitutes a replicable diagnostic framework for investigating gilded terracotta artefacts in museum collections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-Destructive Techniques for Heritage Conservation)

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23 pages, 4427 KB

Open AccessArticle

Virtual Reassembly Method for Cultural Relic Fragments Based on Multi-Feature Extraction

by Jianghong Zhao, Jia Yang, Mengtian Cao, Lisha Yin, Rui Liu and Xinfeng Chang

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 2588; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16052588 - 8 Mar 2026

Viewed by 779

Abstract

The virtual reassembly of fragmented cultural relics remains a challenging task due to incomplete contours, complex fracture geometries, and the lack of reliable accuracy evaluation when ground-truth models are unavailable. To address these issues, this study proposes an automated virtual reassembly framework based on multi-feature extraction and hierarchical fragment matching. First, contour points are extracted from fragment point clouds using neighborhood roughness analysis and further refined through a Cylinder Box-based completion strategy to recover missing contour segments. Then, multiple complementary features, including Fast Point Feature Histograms (FPFHs), Heat Kernel Signatures (HKSs), and a spatial cube-based contour shape descriptor, are jointly constructed to characterize both local geometric details and global structural properties of fragments. To improve matching efficiency and robustness, a tree-based fragment retrieval strategy combined with a coarse-to-fine registration scheme is employed to identify adjacent fragments while reducing computational complexity. In addition, a pseudo-ground-truth accuracy evaluation method is introduced to quantitatively assess cumulative reassembly errors in the absence of reliable reference data. Experiments conducted on the public Buddha head dataset demonstrate that the proposed method achieves stable and visually consistent reassembly results, with a cumulative error as low as 1.58%, while significantly reducing retrieval computations compared with exhaustive matching strategies. These results indicate that the proposed framework provides a practical and verifiable solution for the automated digital restoration of fragmented cultural relics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-Destructive Techniques for Heritage Conservation)

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22 pages, 15805 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Computational Approach for Risk Prediction to Protect Historical Buildings in Urban Excavations: Case Study of the Cervantes Theater in Segovia

by David Mencías-Carrizosa, Pablo Romero and Miguel A. Millán

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 1995; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16041995 - 17 Feb 2026

Viewed by 493

Abstract

This study presents the development of a computational tool designed to help automate decision-making in excavation and foundation construction in rock, aiming to minimize risks to adjacent historical structures in an urban context. The tool uses a graphical interface and focuses on estimating the propagation of vibrations generated by these construction processes. A working methodology has been proposed, and a computational tool has been developed to predict the feasibility and safety of specific construction techniques in different areas of study. Using field-collected data, a three-dimensional survey of adjacent buildings is conducted in a 3D CAD model, converting the continuous terrain into a discrete point mesh. This mesh enables the tracing of vibrational wave trajectories from their origin to potentially affected structures. The tool then calculates the peak particle velocities (PPV) at the foundations of these structures. By comparing these PPV values with predefined thresholds—selected from different excavation procedures with heavy equipment—excavation zones where equipment can be safely used are visually represented using a color-coded scheme. To validate the applicability of the proposed method and developed approach, the tool was tested on a case study: The Rehabilitation Project of the Cervantes Theater in Segovia, promoted by the Ministry of Transport, Mobility, and Urban Agenda. This project is currently halted due to damage sustained by adjacent buildings during the excavation process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-Destructive Techniques for Heritage Conservation)

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13 pages, 3901 KB

Open AccessArticle

Unveiling the Fire Effects on Hydric Dynamics of Carbonate Stones: Leeb Hardness and Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity as Capillary Coefficient Predictors

by Roberta Lobarinhas, Amélia Dionísio and Gustavo Paneiro

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8567; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158567 - 1 Aug 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 988

Abstract

Natural carbonate stones such as limestones and marbles are widely used in heritage and contemporary architecture, yet their durability is increasingly threatened by wildfire-related thermal stress. Since water transport plays a key role in stone deterioration, understanding how high temperatures affect hydric behavior is critical for conservation. This study investigates thirteen Portuguese carbonate lithotypes (including marbles, limestones, a travertine, and a breccia) exposed to temperatures of 300 °C and 600 °C. Capillary absorption and open porosity were measured, alongside Leeb hardness (HL) and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), to evaluate their predictive capacity for post-fire moisture behavior. Results show that thermal exposure increases porosity and capillary uptake while reducing mechanical cohesion. Strong correlations between UPV and hydric parameters across temperature ranges highlight its reliability as a non-invasive diagnostic tool. HL performed well in compact stones but was less consistent in porous or heterogeneous lithologies. The findings support the use of NDT tests, like UPV and HL, for rapid post-fire assessments and emphasize the need for lithology-specific conservation strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-Destructive Techniques for Heritage Conservation)

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