Hydrophobic Coatings’ Efficiency and Limestones’ Resistance to Salt Crystallisation

Carla Lisci, Carlos Galhano, Joaquim Simão, Vera Pires, Fabio Sitzia and José Mirão ()
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Carla Lisci: HERCULES and IN2PAST Associated Laboratories, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, University of Évora, Largo Marquês de Marialva 8, 7000-809 Évora, Portugal
Carlos Galhano: GEOBIOTEC and Earth Sciences Department, NOVA School of Science & Technology, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
Joaquim Simão: GEOBIOTEC and Earth Sciences Department, NOVA School of Science & Technology, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
Vera Pires: HERCULES and IN2PAST Associated Laboratories, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, University of Évora, Largo Marquês de Marialva 8, 7000-809 Évora, Portugal
Fabio Sitzia: HERCULES and IN2PAST Associated Laboratories, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, University of Évora, Largo Marquês de Marialva 8, 7000-809 Évora, Portugal
José Mirão: HERCULES and IN2PAST Associated Laboratories, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, University of Évora, Largo Marquês de Marialva 8, 7000-809 Évora, Portugal

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 2, 1-22

Abstract: Stone deterioration is significantly influenced by the process of salt crystallisation. The expansion of salt crystals on a porous framework exerts pressure on the solid fraction, causing the stone to deteriorate when the internal pressure of salt surpasses the stone’s strength. Protective coatings are employed to effectively hinder or substantially reduce the penetration of water and saline solutions. This study attempts to evaluate the effectiveness and long-term durability of limestones protected with hydrophobic coatings, focusing on their resistance to salt damage. The investigation followed the specifications set by the standard EN 12370:2019 and EN 14147:2003, which assesses the resistance of natural stone to salt crystallisation. The findings of this study indicate the conservation of physical–mechanical properties after ageing tests. In parallel, measurements of the static contact angle and the measurement of quality indexes revealed that the coatings maintained a certain level of hydrophobicity even after undergoing salt weathering tests, maintaining the good quality of the stones.

Keywords: stone durability; salt damage; stone protection; building pathology; slabs for cladding; mechanical resistance of limestones; efficacy of protective coatings; European standards (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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