Preserving Cultural Heritage: Enhancing Limestone Durability with Nano-TiO2 Coating
Ilieș D.C. Apopei A.-I. Ilieș A. Caciora T. Zharas B. Hodor N. Turza A. Hassan T.H. Barbu-Tudoran L. Pereș A.C. Ratiu M. Safarov B. Bilalov B. Gligor E.-T.
September 2024Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Heritage
2024#7Issue 94914 - 4932 pp.
External and internal microclimatic conditions, biodeterioration, anthropogenic factors, etc, influence the natural stone support for artifacts and built heritage. Based on this fact, the present study explores the effectiveness of nano-TiO2 in preserving and enhancing the durability of natural stone used in the façades of heritage buildings, focusing on the Markovits-Mathéser House in Oradea Municipality, Romania. The investigation involved treating rock samples (fossiliferous limestone) with 2% and 5% nano-TiO2 solutions and subjecting them to simulated extreme climatic conditions for the analyzed area in a controlled climatic chamber for six months. The treated samples demonstrated a significantly higher compressive strength than untreated benchmarks. SEM analyses confirmed that nano-TiO2 formed a protective layer, filling micro-cracks and pores, thereby enhancing the stone’s resistance to environmental stressors. The study also found that the nanoparticle coating maintained its integrity under extreme temperature and humidity variations, with only a slight decrease in surface coverage. These findings suggest that nano-TiO2 coatings significantly improve heritage building materials’ mechanical properties and longevity. However, the study highlights the importance of careful application and long-term evaluation to ensure environmental and health safety. Overall, nano-TiO2 presents a promising solution for the conservation of cultural heritage, offering enhanced durability and protection against climatic and environmental challenges. Further research is recommended to optimize application workflow and formulations for broader and more effective use in heritage conservation.
built heritage , climatic chamber , conservation , nano-TiO2 , nanoparticles , natural stone
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Department of Geography, Tourism and Territorial Planning, Faculty of Geography, Tourism and Sport, University of Oradea, 1 Universitatii Street, Oradea, 410087, Romania
Department of Geology, Faculty of Geography and Geology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași, Iași, 700505, Romania
Faculty of Science, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, 2 Satpayev Street, Nur-Sultan, 010008, Kazakhstan
Faculty of Geography, “Babes-Bolyai” University, 5-6 Clinicilor Street, Cluj-Napoca, 400006, Romania
National Institute for R&D of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat Street, Cluj-Napoca, 400293, Romania
Social Studies Department, College of Arts, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
Tourism Studies Department, Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management, Helwan University, Cairo, 12612, Egypt
Electron Microscopy Center “Prof. C. Craciun”, Faculty of Biology & Geology, “Babes-Bolyai” University, 5-7 Clinicilor Str., Cluj-Napoca, 400006, Romania
Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, Magheru Street 26, Oradea, 410087, Romania
Department of Mechanical Engineering and Automotive, University of Oradea, Oradea, 410087, Romania
Department of Digital Economy, Samarkand Branch of Tashkent State University of Economics, Samarkand 140105, Uzbekistan
Department of Tourism Business, Azerbaijan University of Tourism and Management, Baku, 1172, Azerbaijan
Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Construction, Cadastre and Architecture, University of Oradea, Oradea, 410058, Romania
Department of Geography
Department of Geology
Faculty of Science
Faculty of Geography
National Institute for R&D of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies
Social Studies Department
Tourism Studies Department
Electron Microscopy Center “Prof. C. Craciun”
Department of Environmental Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering and Automotive
Department of Digital Economy
Department of Tourism Business
Department of Civil Engineering
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