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Fresco Painting: When Chemistry Meets Art

AJAS · 2025 Chemistry (inferred)

Leila Zhou · New Jersey Academy of Science

Overview

Fresco is an ancient art technique that involves applying water-based paints to wet lime plaster. The Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted in fresco by Michelangelo over 500 years ago, continues to inspire awe due to the remarkable chemistry behind the fresco technique. This process allows pigments to penetrate the plaster and become permanently fixed, resulting in durable and vibrant artworks. This research explores the chemical reactions that occur during the fresco painting process, investigates how different types of aggregates (AGs) in lime plaster affect both the appearance and strength of the fresco, and examines the feasibility of using plastic waste—such as polystyrene powder—as AGs to help reduce plastic pollution. Initial results suggest that recycled plastic powder can serve as an effective AG, yielding comparable outcomes to volcanic ash-based AGs. These findings open up new possibilities for repurposing plastic waste, contributing to pollution reduction efforts.

Competition history

  • AJAS 2025 Category not listed

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Source: AAAS Annual Meeting (Confex) / American Junior Academy of Science

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