Functional nano-hydroxyapatite for applications in conservation of stony monuments of cultural heritage

Francesco Capitelli,Dritan Siliqi,Davide Capelli,Bujar Dida,Giorgio Senesi,Francesco Baldassarre,Giancarlo Della Ventura,Altin Mele

doi:10.3390/iocc_2020-07315

Abstract

Functional nano-hydroxyapatite for applications in conservation of stony monuments of cultural heritage

Highlights

Rocks are among the most durable construction materials used in historic buildings all over the world.over time, the stone can be subject to various degradation processes leading to physical and chemical modifications
Over time, the stone can be subject to various degradation processes leading to physical and chemical modifications
These effects may be limited to the surface and negligible to the structural stability of the affected buildings, they can represent a major problem in decorative elements of artistic value, where any detail should be preserved [Pesce et al, 2019]

Summary

Introduction

Rocks are among the most durable construction materials used in historic buildings all over the world. One of the most promising technology employed for lowering the previously described degradation processes, is that of nanomaterials, nowadays largely applied in the maintenance of the world cultural heritage, with the aim of improving the consolidation and protection treatments of damaged stone materials they are made of [David et al, 2020]. Such nanomaterials display important advantages that could solve many problems found in the traditional interventions, that often show the serious bias of the lack the vital compatibility with the original substrate and a durable performance. Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, reliable techniques for investigating hydroxyl anions and variations within anionic and cationic groups in the obtained materials; 4) scanning electron microscopy for checking morphologies of nanoparticles; 5) biological evaluation of the antimicrobial properties of obtained HAp materials, through direct contact and disc diffusion methods versus most common gram + and gram - bacteria present in human or animal biosystems 6) Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), a micro-destructive technique able to get quali-quantitative information on museums artifacts

Experimental

X-ray qualitative study

X-ray crystal structure

SEM microscopy

FTIR Spectroscopy

Findings

Carbonatic substrate treatment