Speaker
Summary
This work investigates the potential of 60Co gamma radiation as a non-invasive method for preserving Cultural Heritage (CH) materials, specifically paper and parchment, from microbial contamination. Two case studies were analyzed: documents from the Montecassino Abbey (Italy) and the National and University Library in Zagreb (Croatia). Gamma irradiation was applied under controlled conditions at the Calliope facility (ENEA, Italy), using a Cobalt-60 source. Multi-analytical, non-destructive techniques, including Raman spectroscopy, FTIR/ATR, and colorimetric analysis, were employed to assess the treatment's effects. Results showed that gamma irradiation at doses between 8 and 12 kGy effectively eliminated microbial contamination without altering the chemical and structural integrity of the materials. This technique demonstrates a scalable, efficient, and safe alternative to traditional conservation methods, promoting its broader application in CH preservation.
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