Abstract
In this paper, the advances in the use of optical and electronic microscope for study of the minero-petrographic and microchemical features of lime binders of ancient mortars are discussed for various case studies. Mortars belonging to several historic periods and with different functions in building structures and archaeological sites were selected in order to verify the complementarity of optical and electronic microscope analyses applied to these artificial materials. The data obtained with the application of optical and microscope analyses were able to provide detailed and more precise information on the composition, structure, and texture of lime binders, highlighting the features of air hardening calcitic lime binder, air hardening magnesian lime binder, natural hydraulic lime binder, and air hardening binders with materials providing hydraulic characteristics added. Furthermore, a complete analysis and classification of the lime lumps was determined.
Highlights
In this paper, the advances in the use of optical and electronic microscope for study of the minero-petrographic and microchemical features of lime binders of ancient mortars are discussed for various case studies
Mortars belonging to several historic periods and with different functions in building structures and archaeological sites were selected in order to verify the complementarity of optical and electronic microscope analyses applied to these artificial materials
The aim of this paper is to prove and highlight the advantages in the complementary use of optical and electronic microscope for a minero-petrographic and morphological and microchemical characterization of lime binders of ancient mortars
Summary
Microscope for Minero-PetrographicMortars, one of the oldest building materials, perform an essential function in architecture, namely that of binding together loose materials and allowing the production of any type of building structure.The choice of raw materials (limestone, marly limestone, gypsum, and so on) for the manufacture of binders and the selection of aggregates (i.e., sand), additives, and admixtures able to confer specific properties for each construction purpose is the result of considerable technological knowledge.The use of mortars has progressed, differing in an extraordinary way over time: from the ceilings of the tombs of pre-dynastic Egypt to the opus caementicium that distinguishesRoman architecture; from the succession of layers, necessary for the drafting of a mural painting, to those for the laying of a floor of stone slabs or mosaic tiles; and from the stucco ornaments of the Baroque and Rococò to the Portland cement of the “artificial stones” of Liberty, up to the reinforced concrete [1,2].The information contained in the mortars allows to recognize the ancient “recipes”identifying the main constituents such as the aggregate and binder; the latter being the ingredient that has the function to give “cohesion” to the paste, hardening it. Archaeological studies [3,4,5] have revealed that the first binder used by man was clay, which, widely used and widespread over the centuries, remained unsuitable for realizing more solid constructions or support surfaces for decorations or mural paintings. Empirical experience made it possible to discover binders with significantly better performances thanks to the accidental burning, at high temperatures, of different types of carbonate and chalky rocks. The difference among the various binders is based on the capability, once mixed with water, to harden in the air or in a humid environment
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