New 'skin' for old stones

From the creator

In the north western corner of Serbia lies Bac Fortress. It's a XIV century castle - now considered a national heritage monument - which was destroyed 300 years ago and has been lying in ruins ever since. Yet, despite huge conservation efforts, it is still under attack today. Slavica Vujovic is a Conservation Architect from the Vojvodina Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments: "We are actively trying to consolidate it, but the structure remains very fragile. Clay bricks used in the walls have deteriorated badly. And we have discovered there aren't even any foundations under the walls in some places; which further risks its stability". But now European researchers have joined archaeologists and conservation workers to look for solutions to these problems. They are working to see what's inside and underneath these walls. And this research has enabled them to develop an innovative material, a new coating, specially conceived to protect these old bricks in an environmentally friendly way. Ognjen Rudic is a Materials Engineer at the University of Novi Sad in Serbia: "We are currently testing this new coating material. It is completely natural. There aren't any toxic elements. I could safely drink it if I wanted to". This research aims to help to develop new 'green' products to protect cultural heritage sites damaged by frost, organic agents, chemical corrosion and other 'weathering' processes. Called 'Heromat' the project coordinator is Jonjaua Ranoga

Published 2013-11-18 · Watch on YouTube ↗
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