RT Journal Article
T1 Comparative study of pulsed laser cleaning applied to weathered marble surfaces
A1 Ortiz, Pilar
A1 Antúnez, V.
A1 Ortiz Calderón, Rocío
A1 Martín, J.M.
A1 Gómez, M.A.
A1 Hortal, A.R.
A1 Martínez-Haya, Bruno
K1 UV and IR laser cleaning
K1 Laser ablation
K1 Marble
K1 Restoration
K1 Scanning electron microscopy
K1 X-ray microfluorescence
AB The removal of unwanted matter from surface stones is a demanding task in the conservation of cultural heritage. This paper investigates the effectiveness of near-infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) laser pulses for the cleaning of surface deposits, iron oxide stains and different types of graffiti (black, red and green sprays and markers, and black cutting-edge ink) on dolomitic white marble. The performance of the laser techniques is compared to common cleaning methods on the same samples, namely pressurized water and chemical treatments. The degree of cleaning achieved with each technique is assessed by means of colorimetric measurements and X-ray microfluorescence. Eventual morphological changes induced on the marble substrate are monitored with optical and electronic microscopy. It is found that UV pulsed laser ablation at 266 nm manages to clean all the stains except the cutting-edge ink, although some degree of surface erosion is produced. The IR laser pulses at 1064 nm can remove surface deposits and black spray acceptably, but a yellowing is observed on the stone surface after treatment. An economic evaluation shows that pulsed laser cleaning techniques are advantageous for the rapid cleaning of small or inaccessible surface areas, although their extensive application becomes expensive due to the long operating times required.
PB Elsevier
YR 2013
FD 2013
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10433/26362
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10433/26362
LA en
NO Applied Surface Science Volume 283, 15 October 2013, Pages 193-201
NO Universidad Pablo de Olavide. Departamento de Sistemas Físicos, Químicos y Naturales
DS RIO
RD May 22, 2026