Performance evaluation of commercial nanolime as a consolidant for friable lime-based plaster

ABSTRACTPerformance of nanolime was evaluated as a possible inorganic consolidant for friable lime-based plaster at Mission San Jose de Tumacacori, Arizona. Among two available commercial nanolime products in the global market, CaLoSiL, produced by IBZ-Salzchemie GmbH & Company KG was tested as a treatment for friability. The testing program utilized facsimile samples representing weathered conditions of exterior plaster of the mission church. Following ASTM and RILEM standards, the evaluation program was designed to examine the behavior of nanolime based on established performance criteria well known for the consolidation of porous materials. Physical testing included splitting tensile strength, porosity using liquid nitrogen, water vapor permeability, color change, and frost resistance. All test results statistically suggested that commercial nanolime-CaLoSiL could provide satisfactory consolidation of friable lime plaster at the study site.