5th International Conference. Youth in Conservation of Cultural Heritage YOCOCU. Book of abstracts.

Depto. de Mineralogía y PetrologíaFac. de Ciencias GeológicasTRUEYouth in Conservation of Cultural Heritage - YOCOCU EspañaMuseo Centro de Arte Reina Sofía MNCARSFundación Reina Sofíapu

Effects of paraffin additives, as phase change materials, on the behavior of a traditional lime mortar

This study refers to the inclusion of phase change materials (PCMs) in porous building materials as an alternative means of improving their thermal behavior, assessing the changes caused in their physical–mechanical and durability properties. Specifically, an organic paraffin wax was selected for direct incorporation into lime mortars using different concentrations by weight. The results show that PCMs improve the thermal properties of the mortar while reducing its accessible porosity. This increases the mortars’ resistance to water and soluble salts. However, excessive PCM content causes stresses within the mortar that can jeopardize its structure

Mortars and plasters—How to characterize aerial mortars and plasters

Aerial mortars and plasters have been widely used in construction throughout history, and their compatibility with historic mortars and plasters has led to their recent re-adoption. This paper reviews the prominent features of aerial mortars and plasters, their main characteristics and the various characterization methods using both traditional and advanced technology. Several techniques are used in physical, hydric, mechanical, petrographic, mineralogical and chemical characterization. A detailed explanation of microscopic characterization techniques is provided, indicating the information that can be obtained with each. Scientific advances in dating and provenance studies are also described

Assessment on the performances of air lime-ceramic mortars with nano-Ca(OH)(2) and nano-SiO2 additions

This research presents a novel approach based on the combination of nanotechnology and Roman technology by investigating how adding nanoCa(OH)(2) and nanoSiO(2) modify the performance of air lime mortars containing Roman ceramics. Microstructural, physico-mechanical properties were periodically controlled until 120 days of curing. XRD and TGA analyses showed that adding nanoSiO(2) either alone or with nanoCa(OH)(2) were more beneficial to improve the pozzolanic activity in the mortars. The less stable hydrated phases generated led to microcracks which eventually impaired compressive strength but enhanced deformability capacity. These results provide insight into the development of highly compatible mortars for cultural heritage

The technology of ancient lime mortars from the Żejtun Roman Villa (Malta)

Studies on original mortars can greatly assist archaeological interpretations, as elucidating the composition of such mortars gives clues on the origin of raw materials, manufacturing technology, and the construction phases of a site. This article presents the multi-analytical characterisation of 24 mortars and plasters from the Żejtun Roman Villa, Malta, to support archaeological hypotheses on the history of the construction of the site. The samples, belonging to at least three distinct phases included in the stratigraphy of the Żejtun archaeological site, were analysed using polarised light microscopy (PLM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM–EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TGA/DSC), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), ion chromatography (IC), and stable isotope analysis (13C and 18O). The assessment of the results through correlations with archaeological evidence identifies five types of mortars with varying degrees of hydraulicity. These are associated with different development phases of the site and distinctive uses and were mainly produced using local resources, except in the Early Roman period when natural pozzolanic raw materials started being used. As there are no natural pozzolans on the Maltese Islands, it is hypothesised that the pozzolanic materials used as aggregate in the mortars were imported to the Islands from neighbouring volcanic regions. This volcanic aggregate was especially abundant in one of the mortar types, which was used mainly as a bedding mortar for floors