OVERVIEW

Metals represent one of the key materials in the evolution of humanity and have thus become pervasive in every aspect of life. The course aims to present the chemical and physical characteristics, as well as the mechanical properties, that have made metallic materials versatile and adaptable to various applications. Connections will be established to understand the relationship between metallic materials, manufacturing techniques (from casting to mechanical processing), and the wear traces resulting from usage. The course concludes by addressing metal deterioration due to corrosion processes, providing an opportunity to explore topics related to protection and preservation as well.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course is dedicated to a wide range of students from both scientific and humanities backgrounds. Therefore, the objectives are as follows:

- Attain a proper understanding of the information obtainable from the study of metallic objects.

- Contribute to the study with appropriate questions and a consistent choice of instrumentation.

- Learn to interpret the results critically.

- Set up experimental activities.

- Provide insights into understanding corrosion processes, stabilization and consolidation procedures, and parameters influencing alteration phenomena.

- Establish correlations between the acquired data and archaeological, historical, or historical-artistic information to formulate a correct interpretation of the nature of the artifact and the related techniques.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, the student will have:

• A correct understanding of the information obtainable from the study of metallic objects: Metallic materials have the ability to gather information about the forming processes and usage practices. In other words, they leave a trace in the microstructure indicating events such as alloy selection, cooling processes, forming techniques (hot and cold), usage practices, and exposure to unintended thermal events (e.g., fire, burning, domestic heat exposure).
• The ability to ask pertinent questions with a coherent choice of instrumentation: Learning to support cultural heritage specialists in effectively communicating the information that can be extracted from an artifact and the most appropriate techniques to optimize the final result and understanding of the artifact and its conservation needs.
• The critical interpretation of results: Reconstructing the transformation processes and reaching the most advanced stage possible in interpreting the collected data.
• The ability to design experimental activities: Hypothesizing and conducting practical tests to support the interpretation of research results.
• Understanding corrosion processes, stabilization and consolidation procedures, and the parameters influencing alteration phenomena: From studying long-term corrosion to linking it with the environment (whether it be excavation, conservation, or display) to provide valuable support for subsequent restoration and conservation processes.
• The ability to harmonize the collected data with information related to the studied object derived from parallel aspects beyond metallurgy, such as ethnographic, archaeological, historical-artistic knowledge, and usage practices.

PREREQUISITES

None

TEACHING METHODS

The course mainly takes place in the classroom with practical examples and seminars conducted by specialists in the field of metallurgy.

The practical part of the course is conducted in the metallurgy laboratory and involves the preparation of alloys of historical and archaeological interest, their metallographic preparation, and their characterization.

Visits to museums or monumental areas of interest are also planned.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Course Introduction and Leveling of Basic Knowledge. Metals from Origins to Present Day. Metals and Alloys of Archaeological, Historical, and Historical-Artistic Interest. Common Characteristics of all Metals. Correlation between Microstructure and Mechanical Properties. Correlation between Microstructure, Composition, Deformation, and Heat Treatments. Introduction to Corrosion Processes. Case Studies based on Alloy Types and Periods. Characterization of Metallic Materials: from Sampling to Metallography, Elemental Analysis, Characterization of Phases and Corrosion Products, Quantitative Image Analysis.

Laboratory: Preparation of an Alloy through Sand Casting, Graphite Casting, Steel Casting, Brass Casting. Deformation of an Alloy through Rolling and Annealing. Metallographic Characterization and Elemental Analysis. Observation under Optical and Electron Microscopes.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

A. Cigada, T. Pastore, Struttura e proprietà dei materiali metallici, McGraw-Hill, 2012

R. E. Smallman and A. H.W. Ngan, Physical Metallurgy and Advanced Materials, Butterworth-Heinemann, 2007

Matteoli, Trattamenti Termici degli acciai

Mazza Francesco; Bianchi Giuseppe, Corrosione e protezione dei metalli, Collana tecnica AIM

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

PAOLO PICCARDO (President)

ROBERTO SPOTORNO (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

End of September according to the Master Calendar

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral examination with discussion on key points of the course related to the understanding of investigation information, interpreting the obtained results, and developing an intervention protocol. Three questions worth 10 points each.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The questions focus on the main points of the course and serves as a means for the candidate to formulate a response that demonstrates their understanding of the subject matter and their ability to apply it. Each aspect is evaluated to determine the final grade. Critical reasoning and discussion regarding the elements acquired during the course and the depth of study are highly valued.