Objective
An original research project is proposed to accomplish the scope and objectives of point 2.2.4 "Technologies to protect and rehabilitate the European cultural heritage" of the Environment and Climate programme.
The project will indicate new protocols for antiques protection and conservation disinfestation that will meet the safety / health of workers and public; in fact aims at the substitution of chemical fumigants like Methyl bromide, Phosphine, Ethylene oxide, Formaldehyde, Orthophenil phenol.
This will be achieved by development of an innovative technology to protect the cultural heritage from damages caused by insect pests and micro organisms; the technology will be a viable alternative to genotoxic chemical compounds presently utilised; for this reason the proposed BAT (best available technique) is coherent with research theme 2.2.3.1 and with "Target setting" tasks of Area IV of the Programme.
The method to be developed and validated is based on the adoption of electromechanical systems capable of creating an "almost zero oxygen" atmosphere inside plastic enclosures, properly assembled on the site, where the infested objects will be sealed for 14 - 15 days. These anaerobic conditions will guarantee the 100% eradication of any insect (eggs and larvae included)and of most microorganisms.
During the project execution, three prototypes will be developed and their efficacy will be firstly validated at laboratory to optimise the dimensions, layout and the operating protocols. Then the prototypes performance will be evaluated under real conditions, on antique objects of various kind and dimension (furniture, natural history, books, parchments and graphic documents).
The proposing Consortium includes two Industrial SMEs that will ensure the exploitation of the project's results into commercial products.
Fields of science
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
16128 Calata Gadda Genova
Italy