An example of the damage that can occur when salts crystallize. Image taken at the Roman Forum in Rome by Noushine Shahidzadeh.
An example of the damage that can occur when salts crystallize. Image taken at the Roman Forum in Rome by Noushine Shahidzadeh. Sometimes the arts and the sciences find surprising ways to collaborate. This month, the Crystinart-programme was kicked off - an initiative of UvA physicist Prof. Noushine Shahidzadeh that aims to protect artworks by doing physics research on the crystallization of soluble salts. One of the major threats for art works made of porous materials - think of murals, pottery and natural stone - is the effect of soluble salts that have penetrated the pores. Under the influence of fluctuations in temperature and humidity, these salts absorb moisture from the air and dissolve. They can then crystallize again when the material dries up.
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