ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT: In recent times, the development of new nanomaterials for the conservation and restoration is undergoing an important attention due to the promising properties of these materials. The compounds based on hydroxide nanoparticles are currently some of the most commonly used inorganic consolidants due to its suitable compatibility with a large part of the built and sculptural heritage. The properties of these nanomaterials have significant advantages that could solve many problems found in the traditional interventions of the stone consolidation. However, the physical-chemical compatibility of these consolidants with the stone material is one of the most important requirements for its use in heritage preservation. Thus, the main challenge of this research has been the development of a new consolidant product based on Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles in order to preserve the dolostone used in built heritage. Controlled magnesium hydroxide flakes were successfully synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method. The influence of experimental synthesis parameters that could influence in the morphologies, particle sizes, agglomeration level and crystalline structures of the Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles obtained has been investigated. Furthermore, the nanoparticles have been exposed to different controlled atmospheres in order to test its behavior and effectiveness to factors as the relative humidity, exposition time and CO2 concentration. The physical chemical characteristic of the synthesized Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles has been evaluated by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and thermogravimetry (TG) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The experimental results showed the successful use of this synthesis method to obtain Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles with potential properties as consolidant for the conservation of the stone heritage and high thermal stability.