INSTITUTUL NAÅ¢IONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE - ICECHIM

4. Protection and environmental engineering - PPRODUCT FOR STRENGTHENING AND PROTECTION OF HISTORICMONUMENTS AND IN SITU IMPLEMENTATION PROCESSPOPESCU Mariana, VELEA Sanda, OANCEA FlorinNational R&D Institute for Chemistry & Petrochemistry – ICECHIM – Bucharest, RomaniaA novel biomimetic organic-inorganic bioactive composition from renewable resources and abio-inspired technique of in situ mineralization were proposed for the reinforcement and longtermprotection of damaged stone and old brick walls facades of historic monuments andbuildings against biodeterioration.The main goal of the research was to provide an eco-effective alternative to conventionalmethods and means for the sustainable protection of the architectural heritage. The technicalsolution was the in situ biomineralization of an environmentally friendly bioactivecomposition containing non-toxic and non-corrosive materials from renewable naturalresources, for conservative remedy of biodeteriorated monumental stone-type surfaces. Themain raw materials were: gelatin or collagen wastes from industrial processing of animal skinand bone joints, phosphate and calcium sources, volatile oils from aromatic plants andapproved European biocides (Directive 98/8/EC). Colloidal products were inserted into thepores of brittle stone by capillary suction, which solidified the components through selfassemblywith mineral particles to restore mineral strength, stability and resistance against abroad spectrum of biodeteriogens (algae, fungi, mosses, lichens). The application processmimics the biochemical mechanism of mineralization of animal hard tissues (shells, bones)for protection and mechanical support. Like organic minerals in marine shells, teeth andbones of mammals, original biomimetic system developed special properties: lightweight,mechanically robust, versatile and durable. The active compositions developed highremanence due to their ability of self-assembly by natural contact with atmospheric oxygenand gradually release the active principles from the biodegradable polymer matrix. Theinnovative technical solution patented (A01078/2011) the double action of original bioactivecompositions to strengthen support based on biomimetic approach and long-term protectionof architectural facades against biodeterioration using a bioinspired technique of in situimplementation. The treatment strengthens facades avoiding the need of repeating treatmentsas, for example, laser cleaning and the danger of loosing material by the currently usedmechanical brushing, thus saving the historic or artistic appearance and structural integrity ofthe building, with reasonable costs, conventional devices for application and minimal humaneffort.