Processes taking place in the contact of two bodies and having an influence on strength and service life of machinery or of the whole structure have been in the interest of physicists and engineers for a very long time. The first scientific base had been created by H. Hertz (see Hertz. H.: tJber die Beruhrung. fester elastischer Korper. J. reine und angewandte Mathematik. 1882. 92. pp. 156-171 ) more than one hundred years ago. Since that time (proportionally to the need of industry) countless numbers of other studies have originated, But practice always has been an inspiration for the solution being more general and profound. At the beginning only the problem of the contact of two solid elastic bodies was solved. It was followed with the problems of local load by forces on an elastic half-plane and half-space (see Boussinesq. J.: Application des potentials. d l 'etude de l 'equiZibre et du mouvement des solides elastiques. Paris 1885). The integration then has enlarged the point contact into a surface one so as to correspond to geometry, rigidi ty or physical properties of material in the place of contact. At present days even the effect of different frictions, origin and propagation of cracks are being solved. Not only mathematics and computers but even modern experimental methods are involved in the solution of problems."

The conservation and protection of buildings that constitute our cultural heritage are complex tasks calling for a comprehensive knowledge of the historical background of the buildings, as well as the construction technologies and materials used. Nanomaterials in Architecture and Art Conservation gives a comprehensive overview of the state of the art of using nanomaterials in conservation sciences, mainly for stone, mortar and plaster strengthening, but also for the consolidation of wall paintings. The book compiles and details deterioration mechanisms of stone and historical mortars, as well as methods of characterising and testing consolidation effects. The non- or semi-destructive characterisation methods that will be presented allow additional measurements to characterise objects before and after any interventions. Besides, general aspects of inorganic consolidants are targeted. The focus, in particular, is the application of nanolime as a new consolidation agent. Basic characteristics and application advices as well as beneficial combinations with other consolidation agents, such as silicic acid esters, are emphasised. What makes this book so special is the large number of practical applications described from the viewpoint of different restorers, offering a direct inside view of the procedure for the conservation of historical monuments. Restorers dealing with stone, mortar and plaster conservation; artists; advanced undergraduate- and graduate-level students of conservation science, art and nanotechnology; offices for the protection of monuments and heritage agencies; and researchers in materials science, conservation, nanotechnology and chemistry, especially those with an interest in applied sciences, will find this book a great reference.