The MaTaCoS project aims to develop new techniques and tools for underwater restoration. In particular, the research will focus on the cleaning and diagnostics phases in a submerged environment.

The cleaning and consolidation of stone and non-stone surfaces in underwater environments are operations that most need new methods and materials to achieve acceptable results in terms of cost/benefit ratio. Generally, in fact, traditional tools such as ice picks, spatulas and chisels are used to remove the rather tenacious outer layers, made up of algae of different species, encrusting organisms, bivalves, sponges. However, once near the archaeological surfaces, removing the remains of bivalve organisms and limestone deposits becomes particularly difficult and demanding; it is therefore necessary to use small spatulas, scalpels, precision stonemasons, sponges and brushes to avoid putting the structural integrity of the underlying surfaces at risk.

The project therefore considers the development of electrical mechanical instruments that can be used in the underwater environment to clean stone surfaces. These instruments will be equipped with a system of precision electric tools (brushes, chisels, core drills), a battery-powered extractable system directly in the underwater environment, systems for collecting encrusting residues so as not to disperse them in the environment.