From 2010 an important collaboration between our Department and the 'Regional centre for cataloguing and restoration of cultural heritage' of the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia is active(http://www.beniculturali.regione.fvg.it/). It is focused on different research topics: pH paper, chemical degradation processes of paper and removal of adhesive tapes from prints, books and paper items; study and characterization of iron inks.

The working group formed by the University of Trieste, AREA Science Park of Trieste and Friuli Venezia Giulia Region has optimized and patented a new system for paint stripping-cleaning using solvents with low toxicity, good applicability and effectiveness (based on dimethyl sulfoxide and limonene). Currently the patent, 'Paint stripping composition and device for application thereof for paint stripping by peel-off', is filed in Italy, Europe and USA and a prototype is available for interested companies (http://st2kit.weebly.com/).