The preservation of �ankiri limestone in sulfur dioxide atmosphere byin situ polymerization of ethyl methacrylate

Abstract

Stone is one of the most important structural and monumental materials. The main aim of preservation of stone objects is to prevent their deterioration caused by external conditions and to increase their general resistance to changing environmental conditions. Many substances in various forms are being used for the consolidation of stones. One method is impregnation of the stone with a low molecular-weight monomer which is then polymerized within the stone. In this study, ethyl methacrylate was polymerized within Çankiri limestone by a sulfur dioxide–tert-butyl hydroperoxide redox initiator pair having a low decomposition activation energy. Mechanical stability of the original and polymer-loaded stones was measured. As the amount of the polymer in the limestone was increased, compressive strength also increased. The polymer-containing limestone was more resistant to abrasion by water and to the effects of acid rain. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 69: 1761–1764, 1998