Application of a polymer-based photocatalytic coating for the protection of limestone stones substrates: an exposure study

Abstract

In the last decades there have been several studies on cultural heritage regarding the performance of protective and consolidating coatings for the prevention of decay. A coating must have several characteristics such as: efficiency, breathability, and must be durable and reversible. In this research work we tried to verify the performance of a commercial protective product such as Fosbuild FBLE 200, which is composed of a TiO2 nanopowder dispersed in an aqueous solution of an acrylic polymer. This product, which exhibits depolluting, antimicrobial, water-repellent and self-cleaning characteristics, has been applied on different lithotypes such as: Carrara marble, Noto and Comiso stone and exhibited in two different outdoor environments such as Catania and Palermo. These two cities are mostly affected by pollution produced by vehicular traffic; moreover, Catania is also affected by pollution produced by the activity of Mount Etna.

Performance evaluation of a commercial protective coating through field-exposure tests on three stone substrates

“…However, no field-exposure test was carried out in order to confirm the applicability of this product on samples exposed to real-life conditions. The present article represents an extension of a previously published extended abstract [15].…”

“…SO4 2-, NO3 -, and Clwere quantified. The separation columns used for the anions were a Dionex AS4A or AS5A-5 mm (AMMS-1 micromembrane suppressor) [15]. For the preparation of test solution, reference was made to UNI 11087 (2003) technical standard.…”