Investigating the Role of Subaerial Biofilms in Cultural Heritage Conservation with Infrared Thermography

Abstract

Understanding the impact of subaerial biofilms (SABs) on geomaterial weathering is crucial for the sustainable conservation of cultural heritage belements. As SABs can either exacerbate or mitigate sudden thermal or hygroscopic stress, it is essential to identify their protective or deteriorative role on a case-by-case basis. This study aims to validate the utility of infrared thermography in examining the impact of biofilms on stone and exploring the water-related behaviors of porous materials colonized by SABs.

Keywords

• infrared thermography
• biofilm
• conservation
• cultural heritage
• evaporative cooling
• spilling drop test