ArchMat Lab

The ArchMat Laboratory is aimed at the chemical-physical characterization of materials of historical and modern architecture. The research activity of this Laboratory is focused to determine the molecular properties of materials with high sensitivity and spatial resolution (compositional heterogeneity at the microscale). At the same time the Laboratory offer the possibility of studying the changes of these properties after atmospheric ageing (thermal, solar and rain ageing).

The consodered material are:

• Historical architecture materials, such as natural stones, bricks and terracotta, mortars and plasters
• Modern and contemporary architecture material, such as cement and concrete, sustainable materials that is clay materials, composites, nanocomposites 
• surface finishing materials, such as painting materials both mineral and synthetic, with specific stratigraphy and alteration after atmospheric ageing.

The Lab is based on the competences of the Laboratories MaMeCH and ArtisLab existing in the CMC and FIS Departments respectively, and on the research activities of ABC and DAStU Departments for the architectural context.

ArchMat Lab is located at the MaMeCH Laboratory at the Department of Chemistry, Material and Chemical Engineering, Campus Leonardo, Building 6.

• Micro- FTIR Nicolet™ iN™10 MX Infrared Imaging Microscope (Thermo Fisher)
• Camera climatica con controllo di umidità e temperatura. Sistema Peltier accoppiato a Microclimate
• Control System MCG series, UR range 5-65%, volume interno 500x450x700 mm.
• Generatore di azoto Claind, N2 Micro Vac, per realizzazione e mantenimento di atmosphere anossiche
• Solarbox SUNTEST CPS+, URAI, equipaggiata con lampada Xeno.
• Camera per la simulazione di regimi di pioggia accelerati.

The ArchMat Laboratory is open to researchers, institutions and companies for the characterization of materials, diagnostic activities on buildings or parts of buildings, the study of specific problems and the study of restoration and conservation of Cultural Heritage. The Laboratory offers traditional spectroscopic characterization measurements of materials and micro-FTIR mapping measurements; it also offers accelerated aging tests (thermal, solar, and rain).

Access to the instrumentation is guaranteed through orders and research contracts. Researchers can contact the Laboratory managers to establish costs and possible collaboration activities.

Lucia Toniolo
lucia.toniolo@polimi.it
Ph. +39.02.2399.3042

Sara Goidanich
sara.goidanich@polimi.it
Ph. +39.02.2399.3148

Prof. Lucia Toniolo, Dip. CMC

Prof. Daniela Comelli, Dip. FIS

Prof Mariacristina Giambruno, Dip. DAStU

Prof. Elisabetta Rosina, Dip. ABC