Nanolime-Based Mixtures for Treatment of Limestone Offering Table Excavated From Saqqara, Egypt: Analytical, Experimental and Applied Study

Abstract

This paper represents an analytical, experimental and applied study of a limestone offering table, excavated from Saqqara in 2021. The studied limestone offering table was highly affected by damage associated with the burial environment such as subsurface water, salts and soiling. An analytical study was performed using a polarizing light microscope, X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer. The experimental study in this work aims to enhance the properties of nanolime in order to be successfully used in the consolidation of the limestone offering table. To achieve the main target of the study, experimental work was carried out including colour measurement, static contact angle, compression strength and morphological investigation. The results showed that the produced nanolime mixtures possess better properties than individual nanolime. The mixture of Calosil E5 + Megaprotec (silane and siloxane-based product) was considered the optimal mixture for the consolidation of the studied object. Finally, treatment was performed using mechanical and chemical cleaning, salt extraction and consolidation.