Consolidants with high affinity for carbonate species

TUC in collaboration with the SME NANOPHOS has pioneered a route to produce consolidants with high affinity for carbonate species by adding calcium hydroxide and oxalic acid into a TEOS sol, producing an amorphous calcium oxalate (ACO). The ACO incorporated into the silica matrix gives good interfacial compatibility between the nanocomposite and building materials, such as calcareous stones and cement mortars, and improves their mechanical properties.

In addition, ACO results in:

  • an increased chemical affinity between TEOS consolidants and carbonate stones;
  • a more stable component than calcium carbonate.
Consolidants with high affinity for carbonate species

TEM micrograph of the TUC consolidant. Scanning electron micrographs of the cement mortars consolidated with the TUC product, taken from. The linking effects of the TUC product on the cement grains are evident in the micrograph obtained from the treated sample compared to the untreated sample.

Other materials: