Nanocomposite Bio-inspired materials for consolidation of bulding materials - NANOBIODOMYL
ACRONYM:
NANOBIODOMYL
LEADER:
Vassilis Kilikoglou
START DATE:
01/01/2010
LATE DATE:
01/01/2014
FUNDING SOURCE:
This project addressed the strengthening and consolidation of both modern and traditional/archaeological building materials by using a new type of nano-materials, which consist of a colloidal dispersion of silicon-based compounds that encapsulate inorganic nano-particles. The combination of calcium oxalate nano-particles with tetra-ethyl-silicate esters (TEOS) ensures the increased compatibility and durability of the synthesised products with both calcareous and siliceous types of building materials (stones, ceramic tiles, bricks, mortars, renders). The recognised and well–respected protective action of calcium oxalate films found on the surface of building monuments in the Mediterranean basin (e.g. in the Parthenon frieze, Greece), adds potential to this proposal. In this context, the project proposed fits the requirements of this call, in the thematic area of nano-technology applications for the production of new multi-functional, bio-inspired materials. Within the project, different types of Si-based oxalate nano-dispersions (Si-Ox) were produced, in different media (alcoholic and aqueous solvents, as well as dry nano-powders), in order to eliminate the disadvantages of pure silicon based consolidation and protection materials (e.g. shrinkage and cracking after drying and deposition).