MICROSTRUCTURAL AND PHYSICAL-MECHANICAL ANALYSES OF THE PERFORMANCE OF NANOSTRUCTURED AND OTHER COMPATIBLE CONSOLIDATION PRODUCTS FOR HISTORICAL RENDERS

摘要

The surface consolidation of historical renders, directed to restore cohesion and stability, is based on the use of materials with aggregating properties. This operation is usually achieved with the use of inorganic or mineral consoiidants, which are preferred to organic ones, due to the better compatibility and durability. Based on the results of previous studies, two mineral-compatible products were selected: a commercial dispersion of calcium hydroxide nanoparticles in propanol and a calcium-silicate product, consisting of a limewater dispersion of ethyl silicate. The consolidation products were applied to mortar specimens in order to assess their efficacy by determining their microstructural and physical-mechanical properties, before and after the consolidation treatment. Microstructural (optical and SEM microscopy) and chemical analyses of the consolidation products and of the consolidated samples were performed. The physical-mechanical analyses, i.e., the superficial hardness, is reported too.