A combined chemico-mineralogical and tensiometric approach for evaluation of Euganean Thermal Mud (ETM) quality

Abstract

The tensiometric vs. skin approach (TVS modelling®) is a non-invasive method based on the permutability principle of tensiometry. TVS modelling® is a technologic model that can evaluate the reproducibility of the matrix of thermal mud, its degree of maturation and consequently its skin affinity, in a non-destructive way. This is an essential pre-condition for defining the objective scientific protocols. The surface energy profile of the matrixes is created by a Tenskinmeter®, a tensiometer modified by us for tensiometric measurements on skin. The development of a chemico-mineralogical index (I chmi) based on X-ray fluorescence analysis allows the typical chemico-mineralogical constituents of thermal muds to be determined. The combined TVS-I chmi approach developed here demonstrates the interconnections between the typical chemico-mineralogical components of a Euganean Thermal Mud (ETM) and its energy surface properties. The combined approach also demonstrates the interconnections at the interface between I chmi and the skin affinity of the mud matrix, revealing their typical functional and therapeutic effects.