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Black layers on historical architecture.

Lucia Toniolo1, Carlotta M Zerbi, Roberto Bugini

  • 1Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali e Ingegneria Chimica, Politecnico di Milano, Via Mancinelli 7, 20131, Milano, Italy. lucia.toniolo@polimi.it

Environmental Science and Pollution Research International
|October 8, 2008
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study differentiates three types of black crusts on marble, revealing distinct formation mechanisms and substrate conditions. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective conservation of stone heritage in polluted urban environments.

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Area of Science:

  • Building materials science
  • Conservation science
  • Environmental science

Background:

  • Urban pollution leads to the formation of 'black crusts' on building exteriors, appearing as deteriorated stone layers.
  • Visual examination often oversimplifies black crusts, necessitating detailed analysis to understand their composition and impact on stone substrates.
  • Distinguishing between old and recent black crusts is vital for assessing ongoing decay processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze and compare various black layers on marble from an urban polluted environment.
  • To investigate the morphological and compositional characteristics of black crusts and their formation mechanisms.
  • To differentiate between old and recent black crusts and their effects on marble substrates.

Main Methods:

  • Samples of black crusts from Milan Cathedral's façade (Candoglia Marble) were analyzed.
  • A combination of optical microscopy (VIS light), scanning electron microscopy, X-ray spectrometry, and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was employed.
  • Synergistic use of traditional analytical techniques for comprehensive material characterization.

Main Results:

  • Visual inspection revealed similar main mineral components (gypsum, airborne particles) but varying spatial distributions.
  • Microscopic studies highlighted differences in porosity, gypsum crystallization habits, embedded particle content, and marble decay levels.
  • Analytical results distinguished three main types of black crusts based on substrate condition and formation process.

Conclusions:

  • Three distinct types of black crusts were identified: marble sulphation crusts with decayed substrate, compact deposits, and encrustations with sound substrates.
  • Evidence of ongoing sulphation was observed, particularly in recent crusts, with conservation treatments showing protective effects.
  • Further research is recommended on micro-climatic conditions, sulphation kinetics, and the behavior of black layers on different stone types and under protective treatments.