Affiliation(s)
1. National Nanotechnology Research Center, King Abdulalziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), P. O. Box 6086, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
2. Faculty of Pharmacy, Tripoli University & National Nanotechnology Project, Biotechnology Research Center, LARST, P .O. Box 13100, Tripoli, Libya
3. Department of Conservation, Faculty of Archaeology, Cairo University, Giza, P. O. Box 12613, Egypt
4. Saudi Nano Information Center, Jeddah P. O. Box 20718, Saudi Arabia
5. The Grand Egyptian Museum, Ministry of Antiquities, Cairo, P. O. Box 12561, Egypt
ABSTRACT
Historical sandstone surfaces and architectural heritage may undergo unwanted changes due to the exposure to many mechanical, physical and chemical deterioration factors. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of inorganic compatible treatments; Based on nanoparticles of silica (SiO2) dispersed in silicon based product, commonly used as a water-repellent/ consolidation for the decayed construction materials. The nanocomposites obtained by dispersing the silica nanoparticles in polymeric matrices SILRES® BS OH 100 (solventless mixtures of ethyl silicates (TEOS) tetraethoxysilane) were used to improve the physiochemical and mechanical properties of the stone material. The nanocomposites and pure SILRES® BS OH 100 were applied by brush on experimental sandstone blocks. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM-EDX), polarized transmitted light microscopy (PLM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), capillary water absorption measurements, colorimetric measurements and compressive strength tests were used in performing the study. The results showed that silica/polymer nanocomposite is an efficient material for the consolidation of artistic and architectural sandstone monuments, completely compatible, enhanced the durability of sandstone. In addition, the obtained nanocomposite improved the stone mechanical properties and the resistance to the effects of the erosion, acids and salts compared to the samples treated with pure SILRES® BS OH 100 without silica nanoparticles.
KEYWORDS
Sandstone monuments, silica nanoparticles, consolidation, nanocomposites, colorimetric measurements, compressive strength, stone artworks.
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