Study Correlation between Physical-Mineralogical Properties of Sandstone Used in Ptolemaic Temples in Upper Egypt and Its Weathering Resistance

Abstract

This article focuses on study of a relation between physical-mineralogical properties of sandstone used in Ptolemaic temples in Upper Egypt and its resistance of deterioration factors affecting it. In the present study, sandstone samples were collected from four sites; namely the temples of Dendera, Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo which are located in Upper Egypt. Polarized light microscope (PLM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to determine mineralogical properties, microstructure, and chemical compositions of the deteriorated sandstone samples, addition to physical properties tests; results of the study confirmed that sandstone samples containing a high percentage of salts, clay minerals and iron oxides have been significantly affected by deterioration factors. The deteriorated sandstone samples were treated by paraloid B72 3% enhanced with Nano silica 5% to improve the physical properties of stone. Results of the study indicated that the samples which were consolidated by Nanoparticles based on acrylic Copolymers (Paraloid B72 and its Nanocomposite with Nano silica) achieved the best results for improvement of its physical-mineralogical properties. This is the ultimate aim of the study for the purpose of conservation and sustainability of building materials of the temples.