A Preliminary Study of Unconventional Coatings for the Conservation of Underwater Cultural Heritage Within the TECTONIC Project.

Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) refers to all the traces of human existence that are located underwater. These can include shipwrecks, submerged buildings, and other archaeological sites. The conservation of UCH can be challenging due to the unique environmental conditions, the difficulty of accessing and working in underwater environments, as well as the potential for damage from natural forces and human activity. The TECTONIC project aims to promote an intersectoral collaboration between academic and non-academic professionals, supporting the exchange of skill and expertise between them, aiming to implement, improve and assess innovative materials, techniques, tools, and methodologies for the Underwater Cultural Heritage. In this framework, the technology and scientific exchange between the University of Calabria (Italy) and Synpo akciova spolecnost (Czech Republic), is leading to the preparation of an underwater coating with antifouling properties suitable for the protection of underwater cultural heritage.