Femtosecond laser texturing as a tool to increase the hydrophobicity of ornamental stone: The influence of lithology and texture

In the field of stone conservation, a very common direct intervention seeks to increase water repellence objects. By limiting interaction between solid and water, possibility alteration due action (liquid or solid) as well that related colonisation surfaces by organisms is reduced. To decrease wettability, chemicals are often applied create surface layer; however, laser texturing, currently used in different industrial technological fields, could be considered an alternative procedure, thus eliminating exposure with varying degrees toxicity. this paper, modification wetting properties upon texturing induced femtosecond structuring process was investigated. Four ornamental stones mineralogic chemical compositions (slate, quartzite, granite marble) other characteristics were processed applying patterns (parallel grooves matrices craters) irradiation parameters. After variations on wettability rock evaluated means static contact angle measurements modifications topography studied via confocal microscopy. Furthermore, potential harmful effects through colour spectrophotometry, petrographic microscopy SEM-EDX. The results indicate two behaviours analysed statistically confirmed: one hand, group formed slate, quartzite granite, which caused and, marble able above 90°, giving hydrophobic character. topographic analyses together observations grain size, mineral composition, type fissures initial quality key behaviour textured stones.