Effects of surface energies of biomimetic materials for stone conservation on reinforcement properties

The conservation of historic stone buildings and sculptures is recently receiving growing attention and becoming a focus of research. However, it is difficult to estimate the effects of stone conservation, especially consolidating treatments. In this work, some biomimetic materials for stone conservation were prepared. The interaction between the protective materials and stone substrate was researched by testing their surface energy. Some thermodynamic parameters, including interfacial tension (γfm) and work of adhesion (Wa), were calculated. The effects of interaction between the materials and substrate on reinforcement properties were investigated. The results show that the strength of materials’ adhesion to a solid surface could be better estimated from the value of Wa/γfm. It is helpful not only to indirectly determine the mechanical properties of the reinforcing agent but also to design some materials for stone conservation on a purpose not on a rather hit-or-miss basis. Keyword: Stone conservation, Surface energy, Interface, Biomimetic materials, Consolidation, Reinforcement properties