Re-Assembly of Archaeological Massive Limestones Using Epoxy Resin Modified with Nanomaterials—Part 2: Applied

This part of study represents the applied study;which is a continuation of the experimental study that was carried out in part 1 [1]. The experimental study in part 1 focused on evaluation of the effectiveness of Montmorillonite clay, calcium carbonate, and silicon dioxide nanoparticles for enhancing the performances of epoxy adhesives used in re-assembly of archaeological massive limestones. Based on the obtained results in part 1, the choice fell on epoxy-clay nanocomposites as the best re-assembly adhesive material reinforced with Stainless Steel to conduct the applied study project. The current applied study that represents a big project was carried out on 3 archaeological pharaonic massive limestones discovered separately in Ain Shams (Heliopolis) archaeological area in Egypt. The methodology included an accurate archaeological study, followed by analytical, and then the restoration and reassembly process. Firstly;in order to prove whether these artifacts are complementary to each other or not, then with a view to re-assembly and conserving these artifacts in the form of one stone block to be ready for museum display. Referred to the comprehensive archaeological and analytical study of the mentioned archeological stones, the results confirmed that, these stone pieces, in the original were one piece, therefore, it is possible to regrouping again to become one block complementary to each other, and this is what was done in this study.

Re-Assembly of Archaeological Massive Limestones Using Epoxy Resin Modified with Nanomaterials—Part 1: Experimental

Massive limestones were used in construction of ancient Egyptian tombs, temples, obelisks and other sculptures. These stones are always exposed to physico-mechanical deterioration and destructive forces, leading to partial or total collapse. The task of reassembling this type of artifacts represents a big challenge for the conservators. Recently, the researchers are turning to new technologies to improve the properties of traditional adhesive materials and techniques used in re-assembly of broken massive stones. The epoxy resins are used extensively in stone conservation and re-assembly of broken stones because of their outstanding mechanical properties. The adding of nanoparticles to polymeric adhesives at low percentages may lead to substantial improvements of their mechanical performances in structural joints and massive objects. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of montmorillonite clay, calcium carbonate, and silicon dioxide nanoparticles for enhancing the performances of epoxy adhesives used in re-assembly of archaeological massive limestones. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed in order to investigate the morphology of the prepared nanocomposites, and the distribution of nanoparticles inside the composites. Artificial aging, tensile, compressive, and elongation strength tests were used to evaluate the efficiency of epoxy-nanocomposites. The results showed that the epoxy-clay nanocomposites exhibited superior tensile, compressive, and elongation strength, in addition to improving the mechanical properties of stone joints.