Chemical analysis of ancient mortar from excavation sites of Kondapur, Andhra Pradesh, India to understand the technology and ingredients

摘要

In the present study, lime mortar sample from a recently excavated historical site has been analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive X-ray system (SEM-EDX), thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and chemical analysis. From chemical analysis the binder aggregate (B/Ag) ratio of 1:3 has been reported. Calcite is the most abundant mineral present in the mortar identified by XRD. Microstructure along with texture and elemental composition of the final product was studied with SEM-EDX, which is in agreement with chemical analysis. The weight loss as a function of temperature was studied from thermal analysis. Trace elements were studied by vacuum PIXE.