Last week we headed to Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city, where we had the opportunity of visiting the HERCULES Lab – a research infrastructure from University of Évora, devoted to the study, conservation and valorisation of cultural heritage, focusing on the integration of physical and material sciences.
With the help of Professor José Mirão and geologist Fabio Sitzia, we learned about the importance of using environmental chambers to simulate climatic conditions worldwide to research and understand degradation mechanisms (including biodegradation and environmental agents) and how this helps in the development of effective mitigation/treatment strategies.
The photos show two different Aralab TESTING chambers, one specific for Freeze-Thaw cycles, and the TESTA 1.000 -40C testing chamber with an integrated freeze-thaw tank, a rain simulator and additive CO2.
It’s a joy that we can be a part of this, by helping Hercules develop Great Science, preserve Cultural Heritage, and inspire and train Young Generations.
