Microwave transducers for moisture content characterization of cultural heritage materials

Giovanni Gugliandolo, Alessio Altadonna, Adriana Arena, Marina Arena, Luigi Calabrese, Giuseppe Campobello, Giovanni Crupi, Daniela Iannazzo, Francesca Passalacqua, Fabio Todesco, Maria Gabriella Xibilia, Nicola Donato

Abstract

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and test of a microwave transducer aimed at monitoring the moisture content in cultural heritage materials, which is a critical factor in the preservation of historic structures. Following the principle of preventive restoration, the proposed sensor ensures non-invasive and contactless measurements, which are features highly desired for monitoring fragile and valuable structures. The proposed two-port device operates in the frequency range from 2.25 GHz to 2.40 GHz and is fabricated on a 1.6-mm-thick FR4 substrate using the versatile inkjet-printing technology. Samples, specially prepared for this research activity, are employed to test and characterize the response of the proposed sensor. The achieved findings show that the microwave transducer offers reliable and nondestructive moisture content evaluation, thus proving valuable insight for the preservation of cultural heritage materials.

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IMEKO-MetroArchaeo-2023-112.pdf

DOI

10.21014/tc4-ARC-2023.112

IMEKO TC

TC4 - Measurement of Electrical Quantities

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