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Today, the need to dispose of a huge amount of ceramic industrial waste represents an important problem for production plants. Contextually, it is increasingly difficult to retrieve new mineral resources for the realization of building materials. Reusing ceramic industrial waste as precursors for building blocks/binders, exploiting their aluminosilicate composition for an alkaline activation process, could solve the problem. This chemical process facilitates the consolidation of new binders/blocks without thermal treatments and with less CO2 emissions if compared with traditional cements/ceramics. The alkali-activated materials (AAMs) are today thought as the materials of the future, eco-sustainable and technically advanced. In this study, six different kind of industrial ceramic waste are compared in their chemical and mineralogical composition, together with their thermal behaviour, reactivity in an alkaline environment and surface area characteristics, with the aim of converting them from waste into new resources. Preliminary tests of AAM synthesis by using 80%–100% of ceramic waste as a precursor show promising results. Workability, porosity and mechanical strengths in particular are measured, showing as, notwithstanding the presence of carbonate components, consolidated materials are obtained, with similar results. The main factors which affect the characteristics of the synthetized AAMs are the precursors' granulometry, curing temperature and the proportions of the activating solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Combined non-destructive analytical approach using portable instrumentation • Complementary techniques and multivariate analysis allow characterization of pigments • Improved knowledge on pigments production, sourcing and use in 27 BC – 193 AD Rome Polychrome painted plasters from a suburban villa of Imperial epoch were recovered during the 1930s, and are currently exhibited in the galleries underneath the St. John in Lateran Church, Rome. As wall paintings from the Rome area are a rare find, and as the fragments were never subjected to conservation treatments, it was chosen to non-invasively characterize 113 coloured areas, representative of colours and decorative systems. The chemical and mineralogical information collected from this measurement campaign were interpreted in the light of archaeological context (i.e. the high status of the family who owned the villa , the different renovation works that affected it, the identification of decorative systems linked to such works), as well as of published data from contemporary wall paintings in the Rome area. A multi-analytical, non-destructive characterization of the painted surfaces was carried out in situ by means of portable Raman spectroscopy (pRS) and X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), in the framework of a wider project concerning the study of raw materials and paintings of archaeological interest. The combination of pXRF and pRS allowed to characterize the whole palette, as well as to discriminate among different pigments sharing the same key element, and to identify degradation issues. In this context, the use of principal component analysis gave an important contribution to the interpretation of data ant to the individuation and characterization of pigments such as ochres, green earths, lead based pigments, Egyptian blue, cinnabar, Tyrian purple. Calcium and magnesium carbonates are present, as expected, in the plaster, and are often associated with their sulphates and nitrates, and Ca-oxalates indicating degradation. Lead white and bone white have been used. Some peculiar yellow pigments have been identified, such as realgar/pararealgar and Naples' yellow, in addition to ochres. Hematite, minium and cinnabar were all identified, alone or in mixtures. The presence of the precious dye Tyrian purple is very likely, but could not be confirmed univocally. Green earths and complex mixtures of iron and copper compounds were detected. Egyptian blue was used, highlighting different production processes for this artificial glassy material. For the blacks, we hypothesize the use of carbon-based pigments. The obtained data confirms the general palette used by Roman painters, and sheds new light on the materials used in the Lateran area across two centuries, including their provenance and manufacturing. It appears that different earths and ochres were used diachronically, and that the owners could afford very expensive pigments, such as cinnabar and Tyrian purple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research is concerned with the investigation of Egyptian and Egyptianizing artifacts dating back to the period comprised between the 10th century BC and the first half of 6th century BC, which were found in some archaeological sites of eastern-central Sicily. The examined Aegyptiaca include thirt-four items consisting of scarabs, funerary statuettes, figurines and unguentaria, which are mostly preserved at the regional archeology museum "Paolo Orsi" in Syracuse and, only in part, at the regional Aeolian museum "Luigi Bernabò Brea" in the Lipari island. Some of the investigated objects are made of faience (a glazed non-clay ceramic material, coated with an alkali-based glaze), while some others are in steatite or other stones. Through the chemical investigation of the selected artifacts, the study aims to extend the compositional dataset available on Aegyptiaca, as well as to identify the colorants used for the preparation of the investigated glazes. For such a scope, non-destructive bulk chemical analyses through portable x-ray fluorescence spectrometry (pXRF) were carried out on both the bodies and the overlying coloured glazes. A rather variable chemical composition was found in terms of both bodies and glazes, thus pointing to the use of different recipes and/or workshops for the investigated artifacts. The results obtained demonstrate the validity of this analytical technique in revealing the elemental composition of artifacts belonging to museum collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An artificial neural network for archaeometric studies has been created to facilitate provenance attribution of archaeological ceramics. • The ANN has been trained by clays mixings mathematically constructed based on a reference chemical database of Sicilian sediments. • Test has been performed by querying the ANN with compositional data of pottery found in archaeological sites. Up to 88% correct attribution has been verified. • Merits of NN have been highlighted, comparing the extent of successfully provisional attribution with results achievable by using classical multivariate statistical method. An artificial neural network (ANN) for archaeometric studies was created to facilitate provenance attribution of archaeological ceramics. A multilayer perceptron model (MLP) was applied to construct the network, including only one hidden layer. Moreover, correction parameters based on historical and archaeological evidences were applied to Bayesian probability factor. The ANN was trained by using clays mixings mathematically constructed based on a reference chemical database of Sicilian sediments. The clay mixing takes in consideration compositional variability within the same geological site and the extent of the ceramic manufacture processes. Test was performed by querying the ANN with compositional data of ceramics found in archaeological sites coherent with clays sampling areas. Up to 88% correct attribution was verified, with good correspondence between geological and archaeological contexts. Finally, merits of ANN were highlighted by comparing the extent of successfully provisional attribution with classical statistical methods (PCA and LDA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is a part of a large scientific project aimed at highlighting the potential of portable Raman equipment in characterizing jewelry materials preserved in museums, carried out in collaboration with gemologists and archeologists. In detail, we report the results of a measurement campaign performed for the study of gems and jewels preserved in the well-known Medagliere section at the Paolo Orsi Regional Museum of Siracusa (Sicily). The studied materials consist of exquisite examples of engraved loose gems and really rare examples of Hellenistic-Roman jewels, mainly coming from relevant Sicilian archaeological sites. Portable Raman measurements have been carried out using two instruments equipped with different excitation wavelengths. The obtained results have allowed for a complete characterization of the studied gemological materials, also suggesting sometimes misclassification for some valuable objects and gems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accuracy and spatial resolution of full-field deformation measurements performed through digital image correlation are greatly affected by the frequency content of the speckle pattern, which can be effectively controlled using particles with well-defined and consistent shape, size and spacing. This paper introduces a novel toner-transfer technique to impress a well-defined and repeatable speckle pattern on plane and curved surfaces of metallic and cement composite specimens. The speckle pattern is numerically designed, printed on paper using a standard laser printer, and transferred onto the measurement surface via a thermo-mechanical process. The tuning procedure to compensate for the difference between designed and toner-transferred actual speckle size is presented. Based on this evidence, the applicability of the technique is discussed with respect to surface material, dimensions and geometry. Proof of concept of the proposed toner-transfer technique is then demonstrated for the case of a quenched and partitioned welded steel plate subjected to uniaxial tensile loading, and for an aluminum plate exposed to temperatures up to 70% of the melting point of aluminum and past the melting point of typical printer toner powder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Even though digital image correlation (DIC) is a widely used optical full field measurement method, it still needs further performance investigations, when it comes to dynamic conditions. Dealing with a moving target, causes a motion effect (i.e. blurring) on the acquired images. This factor is an important source of uncertainty that needs to be quantified. Therefore, the present study aims to perform a systematic uncertainty assessment of DIC method in general dynamic applications. The study focuses on 2D DIC. In the case of 3D DIC similar problems will arise and therefore, a complete understanding of two dimensional conditions will be of great help to further studies which deal with 3D conditions. The whole work can be divided in to two parts. In the first part, a method to simulate the motion effect on a reference image is proposed to be applied. This method allows simulating the acquired images in a real dynamic test and estimating the measurement uncertainty caused by the motion effect. Using this technique, the uncertainty of DIC measurement is estimated. The second part of the study aimed to validate the simulation technique. Therefore, several tests are conducted by imposing harmonic motion to a target, in different frequencies and amplitudes. The results show good agreement between the experiments and the simulations, proving the introduced technique to be an effective method for motion induced uncertainty estimation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mineralogical, petrographic and chemical analyses were performed on thirty-eight samples of transport amphorae found at Gela, an important Greek colony on the southern coast of Sicily. Based on macroscopic observation, the amphorae, which are datable between the second half of the 6th and the end of the 5th century B.C., were supposed to be local because of similarities to the common wares from the same site. Therefore, in order to verify the provenance of the samples, they were compared to a reference group of locally made ceramics (kiln spacers, kiln wasters, common wares, ancient mud bricks, modern bricks) and twelve samples of local clayey sediments. The results of the analyses have allowed the assignment of all the amphorae to Gela, with the exclusion of five samples, maybe produced in neighbouring sites, and to determine for the first time the archaeometric characteristics of the Geloan medium-coarse ceramics. The aim of our research has also been to investigate some technological aspects of this production, as the location of the clay sources, the methods of clay preparation, and, in particular, the causes of the typical whitening effect on the surface of the vessels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This work focuses on the petro-archaeometric analysis of several transport amphorae dated back from 4th to 2nd century BC which were found in various archaeological excavations recently carried out in Messina and Milazzo (north eastern Sicily). These amphorae, generally known as Graeco-Italic, raise the problem of the identification of their production areas. Petrographic analyses proved the presence of two groups characterised by the presence of coarse metamorphic or volcanic inclusions and one group with finer metamorphic inclusions. Multivariate statistical analyses made it possible to detect the production area of the amphorae with metamorphic inclusion in north eastern Sicily, comparing them with locally produced bricks and clay sediments cropping out near the ancient cities. On the contrary, the studied amphorae rich in volcanic inclusions have petrographic and chemical features which can be attributed to production areas in the Campanian region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study provides experimental insights into the optimization of alkali-activated materials (AAMs) carried out in situ at the restoration site of Monreale Cathedral, Italy. Volcanic ash from Mt. Etna volcano (Italy) was used as a precursor to obtain AAMs. Standard and modified pastes with a small amount of slaked lime paste were compared in terms of setting time, rheology, mineralogy, chemical morphology, and mechanical performance. The modified pastes exhibited a faster setting time, superior mechanical strength and rheological properties. Mineralogically, no difference was observed between the two pastes for the small amount of slaked lime paste added very close to the detectable limit (<2 wt%). Moreover, its addition causes slight differences in the morphology of the gel without changing the chemical composition of the Na 2 O–CaO–Al 2 O 3 –SiO 2 –H 2 O ((N,C)-A-S-H)) type. The results obtained may be useful for the development and optimization of building materials (especially for restoration purposes) where appropriate physico-mechanical performance is required. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archaic Roman painted antefixes, architectural slabs and louteria from the Palatine Hill in Rome, Italy, were studied by non‐destructive and micro‐destructive methods: Portable X‐ray fluorescence (XRF), micro‐Raman spectroscopy, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The investigation enabled the characterization of raw materials and ceramic technology, providing insights on provenance. In fact, similarities were recognized with terracottas from the neighbouring Etruscan Veii. The analysis of pictorial layers revealed the use of Fe‐ and Mn‐based pigments, as well as the identification of more precious pigments on worthy pieces. The research intended to support the archaeological discussion about the frame of the nascent city of Rome, also in relation to the coeval Etruscan culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent upgrading of synchrotron radiation (SR) sources has favored, in the last few years, the construction and design of beamlines optimized for the study of cultural heritage materials, which may require ad hoc setups, specific spatial resolutions, and detection limits. In the field of cultural heritage, integrated approaches combining different techniques are often required, even at large facilities, where some beamlines offer the possibility of performing different types of measurements at the same point of analysis, complementing preliminary information usually obtained by conventional laboratory and/or portable in situ methods. An overview of the last ten years of synchrotron applications for the study of pigments is given, with discussion of upstream and downstream challenges to methods and techniques. The possibilities offered by the synchrotron techniques are illustrated by a case study of a particular class of painted ceramics, as an example of different research questions that are solved by a combination of SR-based methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the view of the recycling and upscaling processes of waste materials, three different precursors, namely metakaolin, fly ash and volcanic ash, were mixed with Na- or K-silicate to produce binders aimed for the synthesis of geopolymer mortars based on construction and demolition wastes (CDWs). These later, used as aggregates in amount of 50 wt.%, were sampled in two geologically different Italian areas. A comparative study was carried out through a multidisciplinary approach using mineralogical–chemical analyses and physical–mechanical tests for the characterization of six binders and twelve mortars. The aim was to verify the effects of CDW interactions on binders as well as the extent of their compositional influences on the final properties. The chemical and mineralogical results evidenced strong compositional differences among the CDWs, differently influencing the physical–mechanical performances (i.e., compressive strength, density, water absorption and porosity) of the mortar samples. Regardless of the types of precursors and CDWs used, a better influence of K-silicate than sodium on the synthetised samples was observed. Furthermore, the higher versatility of metakaolin mortars with any type of CDW used was noted. Contrary, fly ash and volcanic ash mortars showed better properties with CDWs based on their high silica content and volcanic minerals. The study highlighted the critical roles of the CDW composition and precursor selection in mortar production. It confirmed that CDWs can be recycled for geopolymeric synthesis through proper characterisation and binder selection. Optimising these parameters allows for the successful integration of CDWs into geopolymeric materials. This process supports the advancement of a circular economy in the construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Corning glass references were analyzed with diffuse reflectance IR spectroscopy. • DRIFTS was applied non-invasively to real cultural heritage mosaic glass tesserae. • The answers of DRIFT spectroscopy about cultural heritage glass were assessed. • DRIFTS results on glass tesserae are in accordance with pXRF and SEM-EDS ones. Within vibrational spectroscopy techniques, Raman is much more employed than infrared spectroscopy for the study of glassy materials belonging to cultural heritage. This could be due to both a less straightforward interpretation of the spectra and a more difficult application of the technique with portable instrumentations. Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) can be exploited in archaeometric investigations because portable and non-invasive. On the other hand, no systematic applications of this technique to historical glasses are found in the literature. This exploratory work reports the DRIFTS investigation of the Corning Archaeological Reference Glasses, widely used as references in the cultural heritage field, and of real case glass samples, with the aim of exploring the potential of this technique to gain information about their composition and alteration. The results, exploiting the association of portable X-ray Fluorescence (pXRF), and, where possible, of EDS microanalyses, are encouraging, setting the samples within a compositional range and highlighting spectral differences for the altered surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A collection of Hellenistic–Roman glyptics, kept at the Regional Archaeological Museum "Paolo Orsi" (Syracuse, Italy), was investigated in situ with portable Raman spectroscopy with the aim of assessing the viability of this approach, not only for the immediate identification of the gemstones but also for a more in‐depth successive data treatment. At the same time, a corroboration of the autoptic identification of the materials, both archeological and belonging to historical collections, was looked for in order to verify and potentially correct what reported in the museum catalogue. Actually, most of the identifications could be confirmed, the glyptics being mainly made of chalcedony. Other materials found were garnet, glass, and amber. The larger group of chalcedony Raman spectra was subjected to principal components analysis treatment that, after appropriate pretreatment, resulted successful in separating spectra with higher or lower contribution of the band due to the presence of moganite and SiOH bonds. The garnet spectra were instead subjected to quantitative study to identify the main end member. Both the quick identifications and the more detailed studies on chalcedonies and garnets were achieved thanks to the nondestructive and noninvasive investigation, directly in situ, with no sample preparation and minimal interference with the museum's activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation on the reticulation degree of volcanic alkali-activated materials, AAMs, were experimentally determined in terms of chemico-physical properties: weight loss after leaching test in water, ionic conductivity and pH of the leachate and compressive strength. Artificial neural network (ANN) was successfully applied to predict the chemical stability of volcanic alkali-activated materials. Nine input data per each chemico-physical parameter were used to train each ANN. The training series of specific volcanic precursors were tested also for the other one. Excellent correlations between experimental and calculated data of the same precursor type were found reaching values around one. The evidence of strong effect on chemical stability of the alkaline activator SiO2/Na2O molar ratio as well as the Si/Al ratio of precursor mixtures on the reticulation degree of ghiara-based formulation with respect to volcanic ash-based materials is presented. It must be noted that such effect was much less pronounced on the compressive strength values, appearing more insensitive the molar ratio of the alkaline activator. The comparison of the ANN results with more conventional multiple linear regression (MLR) testifies the higher prediction performance of the first method. MLRs results, less significant, are useful to confirm the powerful capacity of ANNs to identify the more suitable formulation using a set of experimental AAMs. This study, as few others, on the correlation between chemical stability and compressive strength of AAMs provide a great contribution in the direction of durability and in-life mechanical performance of these class of materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, porous inorganic polymers were synthetized by alkaline activation of volcanic ash and ' ghiara' paleosoil using Al swarf and Al commercial powder as pore inducing agent. The Alkali Activated Foams (AAFs) were characterized in terms of mineralogy, macro- and microstructure, by synchrotron X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray computed microtomography. The obtained porous matrices show different microstructures; the size and extent of the pores vary according to the type, size and amount of the foaming agent and to the viscosity of the pastes. Addition of Al swarf to the volcanic ash based slurry generates expansion of the paste, whereas ghiara based one do not expand due to a lower viscosity of the slurry. Moreover, results indicate that the Al addition procedure during the synthesis affects the pore characteristics: Al powder added directly to the volcanic ash-based slurry triggers an incipient pore nucleation, whereas AAFs prepared adding Al powder to the solid mix do not develop an extended pore network. Results of this research show that porosity can be efficiently tailored in volcanic based AAFs by regulating the amount and type of Al. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we report the results of the analysis of clay and sand raw materials collected from the Corfu island (Kanoni area, Ionian Sea). The mineralogical, petrographic and chemical data were compared with those of some archaic 'Corinthian B' amphorae (late 6th - mid 5th c.BC) found in the archeological excavations at Gela (Sicily), and with those of local common wares and tiles from Sibari (ancient Sybaris/Thurii), in southern Italy. Indeed, the 'Corinthian B' transport amphorae, largely diffused in the Mediterranean basin during archaic and classical periods, are supposed to come from several possible centers, including mainly Corfu and Sibari. The combination of both chemical and petrographic investigations strongly supports the archaeological hypothesis of the presence of Corfu products among the archaic 'Corinthian B' amphorae from Gela. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of analytical techniques able to certify food quality and origin in a fast and non-destructive way is becoming a widespread need in the agri-food sector. Among the physical non-destructive techniques, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry is often used to analyze the elemental composition of biological samples. In this study, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental profiles were measured on tomato samples belonging to different geographical areas in Sicily (Italy). The purpose of this investigation was aiming to establish a protocol for in-situ measurement and analysis able to provide quality assessment and traceability of PGI agri-food products, specifically sustaining health safety and self qualifying bio-chemical signature. In detail, sampling was performed in one of the most tomato productive area of south-eastern Sicily (Pachino district), characterised by a relative higher amount of Organic Carbon and Cation Exchange Capacity, and compared with samples from other growing areas of Sicily, falling in Ragusa province and Mt. Etna region. Experimental data were analyzed in the framework of multivariate analysis by using principal component analysis and further validated by discriminant analysis. The results show the presence of specific elemental signatures associated to several characterizing elements. This methodology establishes the possibility to disentangle a clear fingerprint pattern associated to the geographical origin of an agri-food product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural properties of geopolymers based on locally available volcanic feedstocks were here investigated in the optics of the development of sustainable non-structural building materials. Geopolymer binders and mortars based on two volcanic pyroclastic residues from Mt. Etna (ejected ash and a paleosoil, named "ghiara") were studied to assess the effects of natural weathering. The strength and durability of the resultant products were examined before and after six months of outdoor exposure by comparing ultrasound pulse velocity (UPV), specific weight, Brazilian Disk test (BD) and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) together with Dynamic Vapour Sorption (DVS) results. DVS data were also compared to those of pure salts (e.g. sulphates and carbonates) commonly occurring in geopolymers as efflorescences. The results obtained on unexposed and exposed samples and the relationship between the moisture transportation, efflorescence development, and structure degradation have shown a better response of the volcanic ash-based geopolymers to weathering in the hot summer Mediterranean climate zone than ghiara-based products. The latter are more affected by exposure conditions as revealed by the decrease of UPV, the influence of efflorescences on moisture adsorption-desorption curves and the consequent worsening of mechanical performances. The correlation between UPV and DVS applied for the first time to the study of volcanic precursors-based geopolymers exposed to natural weathering has proven to be an effective and useful tool for assessing the durability of materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Peloritani Mountains, in the southern part of the Calabrian Terranes, southern Italy, have been classically interpreted as the product of the Paleogene brittle deformation of the European continental back-stop of the Neotethyan subduction complex. This reconstruction conflicts with the occurrence of an Alpine metamorphic overprint that affected portions of both the Variscan metamorphic units and part of the Mesozoic sedimentary covers of the mountain belt. New field data, integrated with petrographic, micro- and meso-structural analyses and stratigraphic investigation of the syn-tectonic terrigenous covers, well constrain a Paleogene collision event along the Africa–Nubia convergent margin that caused the exhumation of the Alpine metamorphic units of the Peloritani Mountains. The syn-collisional exhumation was associated with shearing along two major Africa-verging crustal thrusts arising from the positive tectonic inversion of the former European palaeomargin. Early tectonic motions occurred within the mountain belts and produced the exhumation of the external portions of the edifice. Later tectonic motions occurred along the sole-thrust of the entire edifice and caused the definitive exhumation of the entire mountain belt. The whole crustal thrusting lasted for a period of c. 10 Ma, during the entire Oligocene. The definitive southwestward emplacement of the Peloritani Mountain Belt onto the Neotethyan accretionary wedge was followed by two Late Oligocene – Early Miocene NW–SE-oriented right lateral shear zones, replacing the previous crustal thrust. These two strike-slip belts are interpreted as the surface expression of the deep-seated suture zone between the colliding Africa and Europe continental crusts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building stones are frequently subjected to very intense degradation due to salt crystallization, often responsible for strong modifications of their pore network. These effects have a great influence on the mechanical properties and durability of the materials, and on the penetration of water. Therefore, the quantification and visualization of water absorption into the pore network of degraded stones could provide useful information to better understand the weathering process. In this study, neutron radiography has been used (1) to monitor and visualize in two dimensions the capillary water uptake in a Sicilian calcarenite widely used as building and replace stone (namely Sabucina stone) and (2) to quantify the water content distribution, as a function of time and weathering degree. Additionally, traditional experiments based on gravimetric methods have been performed, following the standard recommendations. Results demonstrated a change in the physical properties of Sabucina stones with the intensification of the degradation process, with severe effects on the capillary imbibition dynamics. The water penetration depth at the end of the experiment was substantially higher in the fresh than in the weathered stones. The water absorption kinetics was faster in the weathered samples, and the amount of water absorbed increased with the number of weathering cycles. Good agreement between classical and neutron imaging data has also been evidenced. However, neutron radiography has allowed retrieving additional spatial information on the water absorption process, and to better understand how salt weathering affects the petrophysical properties of the studied stone and how it influences then the stone response against water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combination of conventional and un-conventional methods is here used to assess the physical-mechanical properties of some alkaline activated pastes and mortars. The latter were purposely synthetized by using Etna ashes as precursor, whose suitability in the alkaline activation process has been ascertained by previous studies. Additionally, the potential reuse of the huge quantities of pyroclastic deposits released into the atmosphere during explosive volcanic eruptions represents an ambitious challenge for the local communities, other than being part of the "Ecological transition" topic promoted by the European Community. The physical-mechanical characterization of the experimental materials has been carried out by using: capillary water absorption test, infrared thermography (IRT), accelerated ageing test by salt mist, uniaxial compressive strength and drilling resistance test. The data obtained for pastes and mortars have been compared to each other and also with traditional materials commonly used in the building sector. The experimental results displayed a strong correlation between the rate of heat dispersion and the microstructure of the samples. In detail, the pastes show a more compact structure than mortars, which is responsible for a slower heat release and a lower capillary water absorption rate, as well as a better mechanical performance. IRT, used for the first time on these materials, revealed a high potential in providing feedback on other physical-mechanical features of alkali activated materials, commonly derived by using destructive methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

13C cross-polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and m-Raman spectroscopy were applied to characterize Sicilian amber samples. The main goal of this work was to supply a complete study of simetite, highlighting discriminating criteria useful to distinguish Sicilian amber from fossil resins from other regions and laying the foundations for building a spectroscopic database of Sicilian amber. With this aim, a private collection of unrefined simetite samples and fossil resins from the Baltic region and Dominican Republic was analyzed. Overall, the obtained spectra permitted simetite to be distinguished from the other resins. In addition, principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the spectroscopic data, allowing the clustering of simetite samples with respect to the Baltic and Dominican samples and to group the simetite samples in two sets, depending on their maturity. Finally, the analysis of loadings allowed for a better understanding of the spectral features that mainly influenced the discriminating characteristics of the investigated ambers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new semi-automated image processing procedure based on multivariate statistical analysis of X-ray maps of petrological and material science interest has been developed to generate high contrast pseudo-coloured images highlighting the element distribution between and within detected mineral phases. This new tool package, developed in Python and integrated with ArcGis ® , generates in only a few minutes several graphical outputs useful for classifying chemically homogeneous zones as well as extracting quantitative information through the statistical data handling of X-ray maps. The code, largely based on the use of functions implemented in ArcGis ® 9.3 equipped with Spatial Analyst and Data Management licences, has been suitably integrated with original cyclic functions that hugely reduce the time taken to complete lengthy procedures. In particular these tools, after the acquisition of any kind of multispectral images allow fast and powerful data processing for efficient illustration and documentation of key compositional and microtextural relationships in rocks and materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results obtained from the thermal analysis of a set of geomaterials (clays, pyroclastic materials, and industrial recycled materials) to be used as raw materials for the synthesis of geopolymers, specifically designed for the conservation of Cultural Heritage (CH) buildings, particularly in seismic hazard zones such as Sicily. X-ray diffraction and gas volumetric analysis (calcimetry) were applied to this set of raw materials in order to characterize the materials from the chemical and structural point of view. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG), TG coupled to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry were used to characterize their thermal behavior. The statistical treatment of the thermogravimetric data by principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis highlights the direct relation between the thermal data and the material composition that will be exploited for the selection of the best materials to obtain geopolymers specifically designed for the conservation of CH buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Dealing with a moving target causes a motion effect (i.e. blurring) on the acquired images. This factor is an important source of measurement uncertainty while exploiting the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate and improve DIC uncertainty in dynamic conditions in the case of translating target. The study focuses on 2D DIC. In the case of 3D DIC similar problems arise, and therefore a complete understanding of two dimensional conditions will be of great help for further studies which deal with 3D conditions. The whole work can be divided into two main parts. In the first part, two different methods to simulate the motion effect on a reference image are proposed, discussed and validated. These methods allow simulating the acquired images in a real dynamic test and estimating the measurement uncertainty caused by the motion effect. The validation is performed by conducting several harmonic vibration tests with an electromagnetic shaker. In the second part of the study a numerical technique is proposed to estimate the motion effect present in an acquired image. This technique gives two main advantages. First of all, since the motion effect itself has a known influence on the uncertainty of measurement (first part of the study), we can predict the DIC׳s uncertainty by just having an acquired image. Furthermore, this numerical technique is used in the last part of this work to improve the performances of DIC in dynamic applications. In this way the bias error and the uncertainty of measurements were considerably decreased. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this work, we focused on the possibility of using clay sediments found in Sicily as precursors to produce alkali activated materials (AAMs) with properties comparable to those of traditional materials used in construction. Two different clays were selected: Plio-Pleistocenic marly clay (PP) and Numidian Flysh clay (NU) to test the use of sediments with and without calcite. AAMs were prepared using precursors thermally treated at 700 °C and alkaline activator solutions as NaOH 4, 6 and 8 M with or without sodium silicate. All samples were cured at 85 °C for 20 h and at room temperature for 28d. Mineralogical analyses, FTIR data, SEM/EDS morphological and chemical observations showed the formation of a polycondensed gel after 20 h. AAMs obtained from calcite-rich clayey sediments (thermally treated) achieved good compressive strength after 28 days with all activators. However, AAMs based on thermally treated calcite-free clays only showed good compressive strength development only when activated with 8 M NaOH and sodium silicate. • Clay sediments from Sicily have been used as precursors for the production of alkali-activated materials (AAMs). • The calcite-bearing precursor are more suitable for AAM production. • The XRD analysis revealed a relative amorphous band indicating the presence of an amorphous phase. • The gel appears as a multi-component system dominated by an (N,C)-A-S-H composition and also shows N-A-S-H or C-A-S-H gel. • Mechanical strength shows excellent results in samples activated with NaOH 8 M and sodium silicate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geopolymers have been recently proposed for restoration of built heritage to substitute traditional mortars. Local materials and industrial wastes from the Italian region Sicily showed their potential as low-cost aluminosilicate sources for the preparation of geopolymers. Here, a set of Sicilian clays was studied by Thermogravimetry (TG) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and its mineralogical composition was evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The raw materials were used to prepare geopolymers by alkaline activation with or without the addition of silicate. The thermal degradation profile of the final materials was studied by TGA and compared with that of the precursors, and the energetics of dehydration were investigated by DSC. Two statistical analyses (made by Principal Component Analysis) were performed on the TG data of raw materials and geopolymers and on the TG data of geopolymers and their mineralogical composition, respectively. The last analysis in particular showed a correlation between the mineralogical composition of the materials and the samples' thermal properties. Additional studies of samples subject to accelerated aging by UV irradiation and exposure to acetic acid vapors highlighted the different effects of these two agents on the samples’ stability.Graphical abstract: Geopolymers have been recently proposed for restoration of built heritage to substitute traditional mortars. Local materials and industrial wastes from the Italian region Sicily showed their potential as low-cost aluminosilicate sources for the preparation of geopolymers. Here, a set of Sicilian clays was studied by Thermogravimetry (TG) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and its mineralogical composition was evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The raw materials were used to prepare geopolymers by alkaline activation with or without the addition of silicate. The thermal degradation profile of the final materials was studied by TGA and compared with that of the precursors, and the energetics of dehydration were investigated by DSC. Two statistical analyses (made by Principal Component Analysis) were performed on the TG data of raw materials and geopolymers and on the TG data of geopolymers and their mineralogical composition, respectively. The last analysis in particular showed a correlation between the mineralogical composition of the materials and the samples' thermal properties. Additional studies of samples subject to accelerated aging by UV irradiation and exposure to acetic acid vapors highlighted the different effects of these two agents on the samples’ stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this contribution a non-destructive approach has been used aiming at investigating the chemical composition of 35 ceramic items belonging to the collections of the Regional Aeolian Museum "Luigi Bernabò Brea" in the Lipari Island (Sicily, Italy). Different vessel types have been selected for analysis, including aryballoi, kotylai, olpai, anforiskoi, oinochoai, and alabastra, belonging to the "Proto-Corinthian and Corinthian" ware classes. The items, dating back to the period comprised between the early eighth and the first half of the sixth century BC, come from two different archaeological sites in the province of Messina (Sicily), specifically the Istmo necropolis of Milazzo, in the northern Sicilian coast, and the acropolis and necropolis of Lipari, in the Aeolian islands. The chemical characterization of ceramics, carried out through portable X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (pXRF), aimed at gaining information on the production area of examined items whose autoptic analysis pointed to Corinthian imports. The possibility of carrying out experimental investigations on the most ancient materials from the archaic necropolis of Milazzo and on fragments from Lipari, albeit limited to pXRF investigations, allowed to enrich the knowledge on the Corinthian production exported to western areas as well as to discriminate, no longer based solely on autoptic observations and stylistic evaluations, between Corinthian productions and "local" imitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zeolites are present in numerous outcrops of volcanites of different ages in Sicily (Italy). Some of these outcrops are important because they constitute the ideal genesis conditions of some of these minerals, which represent geological indicators of chemical and geothermal gradients involved during their formation. For this purpose, a group of zeolites coming from areas of the Ionian coast and Palagonia village (Eastern Sicily) was investigated by means of Raman spectroscopy. In the geological record, these areas have been influenced by intense volcanic events that produced mineralization of hydrothermal origin. Sicilian zeolite samples were analysed in situ using different mobile Raman apparatus, directly on the outcrops of Aci Castello and the nearby Lachea Island, or in local collections where they are preserved. Some of these samples have been then analysed using laboratory micro‐Raman to compare the results and identify the zeolite types. The strength and weakness points of each instrument have been highlighted. Often, the Raman spectra of zeolites are affected by broad fluorescence, making them of difficult interpretation. However, satisfying results were obtained with portable devices, whose identifications were confirmed by micro‐Raman, discerning zeolites of different groups, such as analcime, chabazite, natrolite and phillipsite. The use of portable instruments has demonstrated the possibility to obtain identification of zeolites and related minerals both on site and in the laboratory, whose results match with the geological setting of the considered areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tanzanite is the blue to violet‐blue variety of the sorosilicate zoisite; its colour is due to vanadium substitution of aluminium in the octahedral sites and is proved to appear after natural or artificial heating to approximately 500°C. Its colour makes it a highly appreciated gemstone, for this reason often imitated or thermally treated with the aim of enhancing its hue. Tanzanite loose gemstones are easily identified by classical gemmology methods that are not always applicable to mounted jewels. At the same time, zoisite Raman spectra are rarely reported in literature and never with a systematic approach. In this work, zoisite samples and cut tanzanite gemstones were considered, with the aim of filling this gap by addressing different methodological aspects. Namely, the orientational effects were investigated to explain the spectral variability, the photoluminescence bands were differentiated from the Raman signals using different excitation wavelengths, and the effectiveness of portable instrumentation in the correct identification of tanzanite was evaluated. The results are encouraging, showing that zoisite is revealed, notwithstanding orientational effects, by both portable and laboratory Raman instruments with comparable performances, opening the way to an effective identification of mounted tanzanite gemstones. Furthermore, the employ of different excitation wavelengths allowed to distinguish the photoluminescence bands with both categories of devices, thus identifying rare earth elements (REEs) likely associated with the mineral's genesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkali‐activated materials (AAMs) and "geopolymers" are inorganic polymeric materials obtained by mixing of solid aluminosilicate precursors with an alkaline solution (generally, KOH or NaOH and Na2SiO3 mixed in various ratios). This class of aluminosilicate materials has emerged as a greener alternative to traditional concrete, for large‐scale as well as for niche applications such as conservation and restoration of built heritage. In this work we apply Raman spectroscopy both to aluminosilicate precursors (metakaolin, pumice, volcanic ash, volcanic soils, clayey sediments, ceramic waste) and to the respective AAMs. In the field of vibrational spectroscopy, Raman is much less employed in the literature with respect to Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) to have insights into the alkali activation process from a molecular point of view. The aim of this paper is to investigate the potentiality of a Raman approach to the comparison of the employed raw materials with the respective AAMs. Raman analyses during the first hours of geopolymerization were also carried out on the clayey sediments and ceramic waste‐based products. The results, differentiated according to the employed precursors, exhibit spectra relative to crystalline and amorphous phases that can give an indication about the newly formed aluminosilicate gel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The non-invasive ultrasound propagation technique was applied in laboratory tests with the purpose to evaluate the susceptibility to decay of stone materials. The ‘Scicli’ limestone was chosen as test material, since it is commonly employed as a building material of baroque churches and historical monuments in South Eastern Sicily. Eight samples were subjected to several hydric and accelerated aging tests (salt crystallization) and during these latter the longitudinal waves velocities were measured. The susceptibility of the rocks to decay was showed by the response to absorption/desorption and salt crystallization tests; in particular high values of mass loss were recorded (up to 41%) and the decay already started during the 4th cycle. During salt crystallization a general decrease of P-waves velocity was observed in response to the occurring of macro- and micro-fractures even if almost all the samples showed broadly irregular patterns. The data obtained by means of hydric and petro-physical tests were subsequently assembled and processed for multiple regression analysis. The goodness of the results and the statistical relevance of the chosen variables was testified by the R 2 values (0.99) and by the p <0.05 values respectively. Variables CA (capillary coefficient) and AB (absorption coefficient) resulted as the most important predictors of mass loss followed by variables linked to the ultrasound propagation indicating that this latter is a suitable non-invasive technique especially when is coupled to a preliminary petrographic and physical characterization of the rock. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This work is focused on the petro-archeometric characterization of the fine pottery production of the archaeological site of Gela (Sicily). Thirty-five samples coming from three Archaic and Hellenistic kilns and five coming from an Hellenistic house, were investigated by means of optical microscopy, XRD and XRF analysis. With the exception of some ceramics which are undoubtedly imported, all the samples have similar petrographic features, but on the basis of chemical composition, we can distinguish two different groups. The presence of two local productions is confirmed by the comparison with locally outcropping sediments and with archaic and modern bricks of sure Geloan production. This result is particularly significant for the definition of reference groups of this wealthy polis that played an important trading role in the Mediterranean area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The mineralogy and chemical compositions of shale and sandstone alternations of Cretaceous age of the Monte Soro Unit, Sicily, have been determined. The clay minerals in the shales are mostly illite and I-rich mixed-layer I/S reflected by enrichment in Al2O3, K2O, and chemically similar elements. The sandstones are subarkose to quartz arenite. The shales and sandstones have upper-crustal rare earth element patterns, and except for K2O, they are depleted in alkaline and alkaline-earth elements as a result of intense weathering. The sandstone and shale mineralogy suggests a diagenetic history in which the sediments were subjected to temperatures in excess of 100°C, during which interaction between some minerals in the shales and sandstones took place. Thus, diagenetic quartz cementation and feldspar alteration in the sandstones and smectite illitization in the shales occurred together with the shales being a sink for potassium and the sandstones a sink for silicon. Negative europium anomalies (Eu/Eu* between 0.45 and 0.87), (Gd/Yb)ch ratios (<2, except for sample Cl), and Sc/Cr versus La/Y and La-Th Sc diagrams suggest that the sedimentary rocks were derived from post-Archean granitoid-like rocks in a tectonically stable area. In addition, the foliated fabrics of polycrystalline quartz grains and the abundant phyllite rock fragments indicate a provenance from metamorphic rocks. The study of several trace element ratios (Ti/Zr, Cr/Zr, Y/Ni, Cr/V, Zr/Tb, La/Tb, La/Tb, Cr/Th, Zr/Hf, Zr/Yb, Yb/ Hf, V/La, La/Yb) strongly supports a local derivation from the European paleomargin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Standard clinical gait analysis protocols usually limit to test self-selected speed gait: this approach is generally valid and permits time and cost saving. Yet, the literature evidences suggest that some pathologies (especially at onset or subclinical level) may not primarily affect plain gait, but more demanding locomotor tasks. In the present study we therefore propose a multiple-task gait analysis protocol including: self-selected, increased and decreased speed gait; walking on toes; walking on heels; step ascending and step descending, and apply it to 40 healthy subjects (20 aged 6–17, 20 aged 22–72) thus building extensive reference data set. Published studies already report normative data for some of these tasks, but inhomogeneously (due to different collecting methods and biomechanical models, population characteristics, nature of data). We verify a good correlation between our results and those presented by Schwartz et al. (2008) in their study providing extensive data on the effect of walking speed on the gait of healthy children. In discussing the results, the rationale and effectiveness of each task is confirmed, and we supply an electronic addendum with comprehensive kinematic, kinetic and electromyographic normative data for the considered population, along with a set of reference parameters and related statistical analysis, as a premise for further applications on pathological subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This work focuses on petro-chemical characterisation of the volcanic inclusions often found within the fabric of many ceramic remains from various archaeological sites in eastern Sicily. Petrographic observations and EMP analyses revealed that volcanic glass is strongly influenced by chemical modifications during the firing process, whereas clinopyroxenes keep their original composition unaltered thus constituting an effective tool for provenance attributions. Multivariate statistical analysis of the latter can in fact unambiguously discriminate between different productive areas by comparisons with pyroxenes from volcanics belonging to distinct magmatic provinces. The method proposed here was tested on ceramic remains of different ages and typologies found in southern Italy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mineralogical (X-ray diffraction) and geochemical (X-ray fluorescence) compositional data of Alpine Tethyde mudrocks from Sicily were used to unravel the interplay of provenance and diagenesis by means of multivariate statistical methods (PCA, discriminant function analysis) designed for non-negative constant-sum data. The Sicilian Alpine Tethydes comprise Cretaceous–Eocene scaly shales (Mt. Soro and Upper Scagliose Shales Units), Eocene–Oligocene variegated shales (Troina and Nicosia Units), and Miocene Numidian shales (Nicosia Unit). The use of biplots of clr-transformed variables allows discrimination of two different groups of shales. High CIA values reveal a strongly weathered source area especially for the Numidian shales. The analyses of mixed-layered clay minerals indicate that the behaviour of K2O and geochemical affine elements is controlled by the diagenetic grade, which increases from south-west to north-east in response to tectonic loading. Ratios of selected elements (Zr, Y, La, Nb, Ti, Co, Cr, Ni), considered essentially unchanged with respect to the source rocks, are similar in the scaly and variegated shales, and resemble the Variscan Peloritani metamorphic basement. In contrast, the distinct geochemical signature of the Numidian shales reveals a source similar to the average cratonic sandstone, suggesting derivation from external sources located in the foreland. Multivariate discriminant analysis performed on selected trace elements confirms the previous suggestions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

On the axial zone of the Southern Apennines the major tectonic boundary between the inner platform (Western platform unit) and the pelagic (Lagonegro units) domains is represented by a thick level of highly deformed rock-assemblage. Structural analysis reveals that this tectonic unit represents an intracontinental melange complex characterized by a block-in-matrix fabric that contains blocks from both hangingwall platform and footwall basin units. This unit comprises different sets of structures that, caused by shearing processes, developed at depths ranging from about 8–9 km to the surface. These tectonites represent the product of a crustal shear zone developed at the major boundary between platform-basin domains of Adria during the thick-skinned tectonic processes controlling the Southern Apennines mountain building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ochres are natural deposits enriched in iron oxides /hydroxides widely exploited for artistic purposes. • 16 ocher pigments (commercial and natural) were studied, including materials from the Røros (Norway) district. • The study aimed to define the origin of the ochre pigments used at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Røros (Norway). • A multi-analytical approach (colorimetry, XRF, vibrational spectroscopies, and XRD) was used. • PCA of IR data played a key role in interpreting spectra and other ambiguous analytical results. Ochres are natural deposits particularly enriched in iron oxides and hydroxides giving them their typical colours spanning from bright red to yellow or brown. For this reason, they have been widely exploited over millennia for artistic purposes, becoming among the most known pigments. A series of 16 iron-based powder pigments including both commercial and natural ochres was investigated. Specifically, natural materials came from the Røros (Norway) district, where they were historically extensively used for painting the wooden houses' facades. The set of samples was studied by applying a multi-analytical approach involving colorimetry, X-ray fluorescence, infrared spectroscopy in multiple spectral ranges and configurations, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The potentiality of coupling infrared spectroscopy with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) in characterising and discriminating iron-based pigments represents an innovative approach to guide the interpretation of results obtained by applying a variety of analytical techniques, thanks to the identified clusters. This allowed, in turn, for depicting an extremely consistent description of the samples and specifically of those used in the conservation intervention of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Røros (Norway) and whose composition has never been studied before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical investigation performed on Southern Italy pottery highlighted the usefulness of Raman spectroscopy to give answers to archaeological questions. It can provide important information concerning the production technology and raw materials constituting the glassy coatings. Raman spectroscopy was supported by Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS) for observations and elemental analysis. The studied samples, ranging from the 13th century lead‐tin‐glazed protomajolica to the 15th –16th enamelled pottery, come from the Castles of Montella and Ariano Irpino (Campania), from the castles of Scicli and Modica and from surveys carried out in Buscemi and Caltagirone (Sicily). Glassy matrices, opacifying agents, colour‐related raw materials and body‐coating interface crystalline phases were investigated. Though the coatings resulted all typically lead‐rich glass types, lumps showing a different Raman profile suggested that at least in one case, the batch was adultered with recycled glass waste. Furthermore, samples coming from Montella, belonging to the three main classes of ceramics defined by archaeological hypothesis, could be grouped according to their cassiterite content. The crystallization of lead–potassium feldspars at the coating‐body interface in a group of samples was ascertained. With regard to the origin of colours, the spectra of blue coatings highlighted phases that can be traced back to the use of Co‐based and Co–As‐based raw materials, while turquoise decorations were found to contain malayaite. Highlights: Medieval and renaissance pottery from Southern Italy were analysed.Raman analyses provided unexpected results and answers to archaeological questions.SnO2 Raman bands confirmed the grouping of Montella samples in three classes.Neoformed phases due to reactions during the production processes were discovered.Different cobalt‐based phases were found in the blue enamels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Binary mixtures with pyroclastic deposits (Mt. Etna volcano) and metakaolin. • Alkaline activating solutions based on Na or K cation. • Polycondensation reaction monitoring on fresh pastes through In situ FTIR analysis. • Performance in terms of structure, compressive strengths and porosity. The huge availability of volcanic deposits in Mt. Etna volcano and the wide use of volcanic materials as aggregates in local architecture encouraged us to apply them in alkaline environment to produce geopolymeric binders to restore historical buildings of Mt. Etna area. Two clusters of samples for each volcanic precursor (volcanic ash and ghiara paleo-soil) were produced, using 10 and 20% wt. of metakaolin and two different alkaline solutions based on sodium and potassium respectively. A comparative study was made in relation to activators used, focusing on evaluation of polycondensation step (in ATR); chemical and structural characterization (FT-IR); TGA analysis, qualitative XRD analysis and mechanical compressive test after 7 and 21 curing days. ATR results confirmed the occurrence of geopolymerization for all samples; FT-IR analysis showed a higher content of carbonates in potassium-samples, decreasing at increasing of metakaolin content. A low weight lost was recorded in consolidated samples, as well as a partial dissolution of volcanic phases. Higher mechanical compressive strengths for K-samples, reaching 89 MPa as highest value after 21 days, differently to sodium-samples (51 MPa) were recorded, reflecting the porosity of the different specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent discovery of the Sphinx Room, belonging to the Domus Aurea Esquiline wing, thanks to the framework given by the project "Non-destructive analytical studies at Parco Archeologico del Colosseo (Rome, Italy)", allowed to perform an analytical campaign, both in situ and on micro-fragments. The first aim was to contribute to the overall comprehension of the Domus Aurea complex and to contextualize the newly-discovered room inside this extraordinary imperial architecture by means of an archaeometrical characterisation of the painting materials. The palette, composed of Egyptian blue, green earths, iron- and lead-based red, orange and yellow, calcite, carbon-based black, allowed to compare the Sphinx Room to Corridor 92 and Room 114 of Domus Aurea and to other sites in Rome. Furthermore, the employ of an organic binder in some spots can be put forward based on spectroscopic results, which does not exclude a wider use of the a fresco. Furthermore, a complementary methodological strategy was designed, in order to achieve a complete characterization of the materials. In addition to the well-known combination of portable X-ray fluorescence and portable/laboratory Raman analyses, Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy was used, both in situ (Diffuse Reflectance) and in the lab (Attenuated Total Reflectance). The results confirm the suitability of this approach for the characterization of Roman wall paintings, where both inorganic and organic materials are simultaneously present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Evaluation of activating solution influence on high temperature resistance in AAMs. • Higher availability of silicon and aluminum and better feasibility of the pastes. • Monitoring formation of Si-O-Si and Si-O-Ca networks. • Positive influence of the new crystallizations on mechanical resistance after 1000 °C. • Densification behavior of K sample contrary to the melting of that Na. Thermal performances at 1000 °C of volcanic ash-based alkali-activated materials by both sodium or potassium solutions have been tested. Once defined the feasibility for the potassium set, a multidisciplinary characterization including spectroscopic, thermal, mechanical, diffractometric before and after treatment and dilatometric analyses was applied. The formation kinetics of different networks was evaluated. A correlation between the high mechanical properties and the least amount of water was observed in non-treated samples. Treated samples at 1000 °C showed higher compressive strengths due to the crystallization of wollastonite, leucite and nepheline. Thermal stability was observed increased with the solid content in the potassium-based formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface texture of a stone represents a sensitive parameter in evaluating its conservation state. In monuments and sculptures, in fact, external agents continuously alter the appearance of stones, determining peculiar weathering patterns and modifying properties such as retention of water and particles, interaction with light, color, and finishing. The application of protective coatings also determines changes in surface appearance of a stone, usually evaluated and monitored by color change tests. Surface metrology methods offer the possibility to quantify these changes, evaluating the impact of external agents (natural, i.e. weathering, and artificially, i.e. protective coatings) on natural stones. In this research, we demonstrate the potential of surface areal measurements in describing the evolution of weathering processes and the effects of protective treatments on porous stone materials. The obtained results suggest that the extent of the modifications is related to the scale of observation (small- vs. large-scale undulations, i.e. roughness and waviness, respectively), with an overall increase of surface roughness as the weathering proceeds. Unexpectedly, coatings based on nanoparticle dispersions increase the topographic height parameters, due to the absence of a homogeneous film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of a petrographic and geochemical study carried out on archeological grindstones allow to provide new constraints on protohistoric commercial exchanges over the Mediterranean area. Eleven grindstones, discovered in an archeological site located in Milazzo (Messina, Sicily) and dated from the Early Bronze Age, have been investigated by geochemical and petrographic techniques. The raw materials are mainly volcanic rocks characterized by calc-alkaline and K-alkaline affinities with volcanic arc geochemical signature. Only one sample, made of basalt belonging to the Na-alkaline series, shows an intraplate signature. The comparison with the available literature data for similar rocks allowed constraining the volcanic origin of the exploited lavas. While the intraplate-type raw material came from Mt. Etna Volcano (Sicily), the arc-type volcanic rocks are mostly trachyandesites, basaltic andesites, and one rhyolite. Although most of them come from the Aeolian Arc, a provenance of some samples from the Aegean Arc cannot be excluded. This last region could represent the most probable provenance area for the rhyolite sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the 9th to the 11th century, Sicily has been part of the Islamic oecumene, the dār al-Islām. Up until now, very few studies have been carried out on the centres of pottery production of this period, and most of them concern the Emiral capital of the isle, Palermo. The archaeometric data obtained with chemical and minero-petrographic analyses on Islamic pottery found in Paternò - a town situated in the southwestern slope of Mt. Etna - has provided a certain number of issues of very important matter. The selection of the samples has been made among the archaeological finds coming from the excavation near the church of Cristo al Monte, on the hilltop, which represented the inner part of the medieval madīna. The mineralogical and chemical characterization of the ceramic body has been attained using optical microscopy on thin sections and X-ray fluorescence respectively, in order to define the probable provenance of each sample. Further information of technological matter has been provided using X-Ray diffraction on powdered samples, which furnishes mineralogical data useful to hypothesise the firing temperatures: the main task attained on this issue was the focus on the self-slipped ware with salted water, one of the main technological class in Islamic Sicily. Finally, energy dispersive X-Ray fluorescence was adopted for a preliminary investigation of pigments used to decorate the lead glazed pottery. The issues related to both the local and imported pots - the latter represented almost completely by Palermo's products - provided some important historical and archaeological information about the means of Sicilian pottery production during this important period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Reuse of Sicilian volcanic residues as precursors for alkali-activated materials. • TGA, TG coupled to FT-IR and X-ray µCT have been used to define the influence of reactants. • Multidisciplinary approach for the optimization of the mix design. Insights on thermal behavior and microstructures of AAMs based on Sicilian volcanic precursors (i.e., volcanic ash, "ghiara" and pumice) have been performed. A multidisciplinary approach by means of thermogravimetric analysis coupled to Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and X-ray Computed Microtomography has been used with the aim to define the influence of reactants involved in the process. The obtained results show: i) the increase of metakaolin shifts the gas emission toward lower temperatures; ii) the positive relation between mass loss and liquid/solid ratio; iii) the influence of particle size of precursors on the pore development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Volcanic-ash AA mortars, have been tested on damaged mosaics of Monreale Cathedral. • Bedding AA mortars have been applied for the reposition of detached tesserae. • Replicates of the mosaic decorations engraving and painting AA mortars were tested. • Pre-casted colored alkaline activated mortars have been created. • Colorimetric differences between original tesserae and new AAMs have been evaluated. This paper describes for the first time a case-study regarding the applicability of alkali activated mortars based on volcanic-ash (Mt. Etna) directly on-site on a UNESCO Heritage site known worldwide, the Monreale Cathedral (Sicily, Italy). In the perspective of "Advanced Green Materials for Cultural Heritage" project, small damaged areas of the mosaics were selected to test the application of bedding mortars for the filling of lacunae and the repositioning of detached original tesserae , as well as the replication of the mosaic decorations by engraving and painting on the finishing mortars or by the realization of new pre-casted tesserae. Both the critical aspects of preparation and the steps taken to improve operative conditions (e.g. use of Ca-additive) have been highlighted. The monitoring of results over time confirms the intervention's success, representing in this way a pioneering on-site cultural heritage application of these materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]