The process of degradation in artefacts subjected to centuries of burial can be of great relevance above all in archaeological glass. Infrared thermography is a non-destructive method allowing to map the defects of the glass substrate, both produced during its manufacturing (e.g., bubbles and inclusions) and due to ageing. This research is focused on the use of different flash thermography methods for the mapping of superficial flakes on Roman glasses dating back to the I and II century A.D. The effectiveness of active thermography methods is evaluated to map degraded portions of archaeological glass considering their semitransparency and specific optical absorption.

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.