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Summary

An Italian spin-off company developed a microwave treatment of biodeteriogens (MTB). The method can be used for killing lichens on frescoed walls, without damaging the painted surface.Microwave heating is a valid alternative to chemical treatments, is absolutely eco-compatible and safe. The spin-off company seeks public and private bodies interested in testing new applications and in commercial agreements with technical assistance and technical co-operation.

Full description

The microwave treatment of biodeteriogens system is based on a user-friendly microwave generator, working at 2.45 GHz with output power that can be adjusted up to 1 kW.
The spin-off company realized several prototypes for the wood treatment from woodworm and beetle (parquet, wood paintings, balk, etc.). For each kind of treatment has been developed a specific microwave applicator in order to concentrate energy where it is necessary, in order to preserve the rest of the artefact from unnecessary thermal and mechanical stress. Treatment depths of a few millimeters or several centimeters can be obtained with different applicators, to fulfill the specific requirements of the disinfestations problem.
The microwave heating has been applied successfully in several fields like the soil disinfestations (nematode and other pathogens) and corns disinfestations (insects). The effectiveness of the method has been assessed in the laboratory, studying the residual fluorescence response of biodeteriogens heated by microwaves.
Heating is controlled by means of a fiber-optic thermometer. The thermal distribution at the end of the treatment is visualized by means of a thermographic camera.

Innovative Aspects

The advantages in the use of microwave heating respect to traditional methods (chemical treatments, freezing, hot air) are: health and safety for the operator, minimal interaction with the object treated, and a localized treatment.

Partner expertise sought:

- Type of partner sought: company

- Specific area of activity of the partner: cultural heritage

- Task to be performed by the partner sought: testing and developping