Abstract
We study the synthesis and characterisation of an innovative TEOS-based composite coating, which could improve previous formulations used in the field of monument conservation. The proposed coating is composed by a tetraethoxyorthosilicate matrix (TEOS), containing an elasticiser (hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS-OH)) and a non-ionic surfactant (n-octylamine). The specific self-cleaning and antifouling properties are obtained by the addition of different kinds of nanofillers: the commercial TiO2 nanoparticles, plus two different silica nanocontainers, loaded with the commercial biocide 2-mercaptobenzothiazole. Through a multi-analytical approach, we evaluate the effect of the nanoparticles concentration on the coatings drying rate, on the variation of their visual aspect and textural properties. Our results show that the addition of the silica nanocontainers at 0.05% (w/v) in sol does not change the colour of the coating and reduces the formation of cracks after drying. Moreover, the coating charged with nanocontainers undergoes slower drying, thus improving its penetration into the pores of the treated surface. Further tests of photocatalytic and biocidal properties of this new product on different lithotypes and their potential interactions are in progress.
Highlights
Most historical buildings and monuments, that are a seamless part of our urban landscape, employ natural and artificial stone materials, which are subject to deterioration processes, due to the interaction with the environment (Jackson et al, 2005; Bourges et al, 2008; Torraca, 2009; Doehne and Price Clifford, 2010)
The smaller size of Si-MNP in comparison with silica nanocontainer (Si-NC) allows the dispersion of these nanofillers into the coating matrix, reducing the optical effects correlated with the formation of aggregates
We report the synthesis and the multi-analytical characterization of an innovative tetraethoxyorthosilicate matrix (TEOS)-based composite coating with the addition of two different silica nanofillers with antifouling properties
Summary
Most historical buildings and monuments, that are a seamless part of our urban landscape, employ natural and artificial stone materials, which are subject to deterioration processes, due to the interaction with the environment (Jackson et al, 2005; Bourges et al, 2008; Torraca, 2009; Doehne and Price Clifford, 2010). Given the large number and the different nature of the stone materials and the various related degradation processes, finding potential supporting solutions is a challenging issue. Among the consolidant products used for stone, TEOS-based materials have relevant applications and properties (Kim et al, 2009; Zárraga et al, 2010).
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