On a kinetic theory approach to modelling degradation phenomena in conservation sciences

This paper deals with the modelling of degradation phenomena for works of art under the action applied by external agents. The analysis is based on a suitable development of the methods of the kinetic theory for active particles. The model consists in an evolution equation for the probability distribution of the degradation stage. The interpretation of empirical data provides the identification of the parameters of the model and a quantitative prediction of degradation events.