Understanding the Microstructure of Mortars for Cultural Heritage Using X-ray CT and MIP

Brunello, Valentina, Canevali, Carmen, Corti, Cristina, De Kock, Tim, Rampazzi, Laura, Recchia, Sandro, Sansonetti, Antonio, Tedeschi, Cristina and Cnudde, Veerle (2021) Understanding the Microstructure of Mortars for Cultural Heritage Using X-ray CT and MIP. Materials, 14 . pp. 5939-5958. ISSN 1996-1944 [Article]

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Abstract (in English)

In this study, the microstructure of mock-up mortar specimens for a historic environment, composed of different mixtures, was studied using mercury intrusion porosity (MIP) and microcom- puted tomography (μCT), highlighting the advantages and drawbacks of both techniques. Porosity, sphericity, and pores size distribution were studied, evaluating changes according to mortar compo- sition (aerial and hydraulic binders, quartz sand, and crushed limestone aggregate). The μCT results were rendered using 3D visualization software, which provides complementary information for the interpretation of the data obtained using 3D data-analysis software. Moreover, μCT contributes to the interpretation of MIP results of mortars. On the other hand, MIP showed significant ink-bottle effects in lime and cement mortars samples that should be taken into account when interpreting the results. Moreover, the MIP results highlighted how gypsum mortar samples display a poros- ity distribution that is best studied using this technique. This multi-analytical approach provides important insights into the interpretation of the porosimetric data obtained. This is crucial in the characterization of mortars and provides key information for the study of building materials and cultural heritage conservation.

Item Type:	Article
Authors:	Authors Email Brunello, Valentina UNSPECIFIED Canevali, Carmen UNSPECIFIED Corti, Cristina UNSPECIFIED De Kock, Tim UNSPECIFIED Rampazzi, Laura laura.rampazzi@uninsubria.it Recchia, Sandro UNSPECIFIED Sansonetti, Antonio UNSPECIFIED Tedeschi, Cristina UNSPECIFIED Cnudde, Veerle UNSPECIFIED
Languages:	English
Keywords:	cement; stone conservation; 3D visualization; μCT; MIP; mortar
Subjects:	C.ARCHITECTURE > 04. Building materials F.SCIENTIFIC TECHNIQUES AND METHODOLOGIES OF CONSERVATION > 52. Structural surveys F.SCIENTIFIC TECHNIQUES AND METHODOLOGIES OF CONSERVATION > 60. X-Ray analysis
Volume:	14
ISSN:	1996-1944
Depositing User:	dr Laura Rampazzi
Date Deposited:	10 Dec 2021 22:05
Last Modified:	10 Dec 2021 22:05
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URI:	https://openarchive.icomos.org/id/eprint/2534

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