Impact of nanosilica on lime restoration mortars properties

This paper presents an experimental assessment of the effects of silica (SiO2) nanoparticles on the properties and performance of lime restoration mortars. Mortars were fabricated using calcareous aggregates, and two different types of limes (air, hydraulic) and different amounts of SiO2 nanoparticles. In order to isolate nanoparticles effects on mortars properties no dispersing or water reducing agents were employed. Several physical-mechanical properties, mineralogical compositions and microstructural changes of hardened samples have been investigated. It was observed that the application of nanosilica, without the usage of dispersing or water reducing agents, influenced the type of CaCO3 polymorphs formed, the carbonation rates and the pozzolanic reactions. The application of nanosilica up to 4 wt.% resulted in the improvement of the mechanical performance. It was demonstrated that the usage of nanosilica without further additives may be used to tune properties of air and hydraulic limes according to the specific requirements for restoration of objects of cultural heritage. (C) 2022 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This paper presents an experimental assessment of the effects of silica nanoparticles on lime restoration mortars. The results show that the application of nanosilica can improve the mechanical performance and affect the mineralogical composition and carbonation rate of lime. The usage of nanosilica without further additives can be used to tune the properties of air and hydraulic limes according to the specific requirements for the restoration of cultural heritage objects.