The main purpose of the review is to analyze the terminology and methodologies for conservation treatment in cultural heritage conservation, in particular, to define key terminology (such as quality, compatibility, efficacy, and durability); to identify methodologies for assessing conservation interventions; to examine case studies where these assessment techniques have been applied. A summary of the various definitions of terms such as quality, compatibility, efficacy and durability found in the literature is provided. This is followed by a presentation of some theoretical approaches found in the literature on how to evaluate different aspects of conservation interventions. Some more practical examples are then considered, with a focus on mural paintings. Finally, the importance of monitoring interventions over time in the context of preventive conservation is highlighted. The present review emphasizes that key concepts such as compatibility, efficacy, and durability are inherently flexible and context-dependent, often overlapping and evolving according to cultural heritage typology, intervention methods, and environmental conditions.

This study aims to characterize two types of corsesques, staff weapons that have been rarely investigated from a materials science perspective. Both artifacts are part of the collection at the “Luigi Marzoli” Arms Museum in Brescia and date back to the 16th to 17th centuries. The primary objective is to elucidate the manufacturing processes behind these objects and to identify key differences in the production techniques of their various components. The analysis of selected samples from each weapon proved essential for reconstructing the heat treatment processes applied during their manufacture. Microscopic examinations performed using Light Optical Microscopy (LOM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and microhardness measurements enabled the detailed classification of microstructures, many of which were identified as typical of hardening and tempering cycles. The data reveal that although both corsesques were produced using similar low-carbon steel alloys and share comparable general forms, they differ markedly in manufacturing strategy. Corsesque 1 displays a relatively uniform microstructure across multiple components, indicating a cohesive heat treatment likely applied to the weapon as a whole. This suggests an approach favoring mechanical consistency and manufacturing efficiency. In contrast, Corsesque 2 exhibits a more differentiated treatment of its individual parts, with varying microstructures tailored to specific mechanical demands — such as impact absorption, edge retention, or flexibility — pointing to a more complex, component-based optimization.

Cellulose acetate (CA) is a semi-synthetic polymer widely present in modern and contemporary collections, yet its conservation poses major challenges due to its chemical and physical instability. Hydrolytic degradation, acetic acid release, plasticizer loss, and embrittlement compromise both structure and surface, making cleaning particularly difficult. Conventional cleaning methods may cause abrasion, extract additives, or alter gloss. Although hydrogels have shown promise for CA cleaning, the literature remains extremely limited. This study reports a preliminary investigation of gel-based cleaning on Le Rituel (1968), a heavily soiled cellulose acetate (CA) artwork by José Escada. The object’s condition was assessed through visual inspection, pH measurements, volatile acidity testing, and infrared spectroscopy. Cleaning tests were conducted on a CA replica (2006) with superficial soiling and on selected artwork areas. Two gel formulations were evaluated: the biopolymer agar-agar rigid gel and the synthetic viscoelastic poly(vinyl alcohol)-borax (PVAl-Borax) gel. Agar-agar was effective as a first step, reducing superficial soiling and humidifying adherent residues for subsequent removal, while PVAl-Borax was advantageous in the second step, as its viscoelastic properties enabled controlled mechanical action and facilitated the removal of more adherent residues. This case study demonstrates the potential of combined gel systems as versatile tools for CA conservation.