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The design and evaluation of site-specific injection grouts for the stabilisation of delaminated wall paintings is often challenging to perform in situ, due to constraints such as time, availability of materials and reliable testing procedures. In this research, a rigorous design and testing methodology, which includes the development of a new adhesion test, was adopted on site for the development of injection grouts to be used in water-sensitive situations. Water reduced mixtures were obtained by partly substituting it with ethanol. Previous research (Pasian et al. 2018) demonstrated in the laboratory the potential suitability of water-ethanol grouts. In the present paper, water-reduced grouts were designed, tested and applied on site for the first time.

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In the U.S., concerns over the long-term sustainability of peat, perlite, and other media components have led to searches for alternative materials. FiberFill, a synthetic fiber made of recyclable polyethylene terephthalate, and Tencel, a cellulose fiber, are new materials with potential as substrate components. FiberFill blocks have already been used for hydroponic vegetable production, but its suitability as well as the suitability of Tencel has not yet been tested as soilless mix components. The growth of several floriculture crops was tested using substrates containing different proportions of the two polymers. Furthermore, the long-term stability of the materials was tested by measuring respiration rates of the different components by themselves or as blends with peat. A peat-or coir-based mix was amended with the polymers up to 100% of the final volume and fertigated with water-soluble fertilizer as needed. Visual observations of plants, dry weight (DW), leaf area (LA), and consumer preference were measured. Plants grown in 100% FiberFill or Tencel were shorter and had smaller DW and LA than plants grown in partially-amended substrates with the exception of begonia, which were largest in 100% and 75% FiberFill. Substrates containing 50% FiberFill produced plants that were equal to or larger than substrates containing less polymer. Plants grown in Tencel-containing mixes were consistently smaller than plants grown in substrates containing an equal amount of FiberFill. Initial respiration rates of Tencel were lower than those of peat or peat:perlite blends, but after only ten days, respiration rates of Tencel increased after saprophytic organisms colonized the material. These results indicate that FiberFill has potential as soilless mix component, but the high respiration rates suggest Tencel would not be suitable for long-term (>6 months) production. However, the movement of the U.S. floriculture industry towards sustainability likely favors the adaptation of the cellulose-based component, Tencel.