Developing Geopolymer Composites as Repair Mortars for Damaged Ancient Egyptian Wall Paintings in Rock Tombs

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Department of Conservation; Faculty of Archaeology, Cairo University

Abstract

This research aims to find out applicable restoration mortars that based mainly on an alkali-activated fly ash geopolymer (GP) mixed with an ethyl silicate polymer or hydrated lime to repair damaged ancient Egyptian wall paintings. Further, the produced composites can be used to repair geotechnical defects in the rock tombs. Technically, the geopolymer is formed by the activation reaction of aluminosilicate materials with an alkali solution. The produced geopolymer was observed by a high resolution field-emission scanning electron microscope (HR-FESEM). Laboratory models were prepared and studied by several methods and tests. The apparent porosity, water absorption, bond and compressive strength, shrinkage, viscosity and the flow rate were measured and evaluated. More, the microscopic characteristics and hydrophobicity of the mortars were analyzed. Further, the stability of the studied samples was assessed against thermal ageing and salt weathering. Well, the physical-mechanical improvements and workability of the tested geopolymer mortars proved their efficiency for restoration purposes such as filling missing parts, repairing the rock defects and as injection grouts for the detached plaster layers

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Egyptian Journal of Chemistry
Volume 65, Issue 10
October 2022
Pages 249-258

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History

  • Receive Date: 07 January 2022
  • Revise Date: 19 February 2022
  • Accept Date: 23 February 2022

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