Multi-Analytical Characterization of Corvins’ Castle—Deserted Tower. Construction Materials and Conservation Tests

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyze the construction materials (mortars) of an architectural monument (Deserted Tower (Lilly Tower) from Corvins’ Castle, Romania). The mortars were characterized following a multidisciplinary approach, combining macroscopic observation with petrographic microscopy, mineralogical analysis (X-ray diffraction) and elemental analysis (X-ray fluorescence), hydric properties, and color of representative samples of the monument. The results revealed the use of gypsum mortars (produced by lumps with higher Fe content), with minor concentrations of crystalline dolomites of the Southern Carpathians, calcite, and quartz. The materials’ effective porosity and their water absorption capacity were high. A possible solution to consolidate the damaged area with some consolidation products (hydroxyapatite carbonate and its derivatives with Ag and Sr) was investigated, too. The interactions between the mortar’s specimens and the effectiveness of the consolidation treatments were evaluated by physico-chemical analyses (molecular structure by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF), dynamic light scattering (DLS)), morphological characterization by microscopic techniques as SEM-EDS, TEM, and physical and mechanical investigations (peeling test and compressive strength). Results were drawn based on historical, in situ observations, and analytical data, and put into evidence the composition, high weathering degree, and the possibility to surface consolidate with Sr-CHAp.

Polychromatic Artistic Components as Interior Decorative Elements from the Constanta Casino Monument

“…FTIR spectra of the analyzed samples presents several peaks comparable to those in the literature [2,3]. The broad band located in the region 3300-3500 cm −1 arises from the stretching vibration of the hydroxyl groups of the layers, as well as the water molecules from the humidity.…”

“…The Casino building from Constanta is the most important and characteristic public building built in the Art Nouveau style [1]. The stylistic unity of the treatment of the elements is remarkable: the volume, the façades, the shape of the gaps, the modernization, the interior and exterior color decoration (stuccoes), the furniture elements of the interior, and the exploitation of the fluidity of the location [2]. The building was designed as a parallelepiped mounted horizontally which gives the impression of stability, but in which each of the five visible sides (four façades and roof), are different from spatial, volumetric, and decorative points of view.…”

Diagnosis, Photogrammetry and Conservation Treatment with Nanomaterials of Sacidava Fortress

“…In this paper, several samples from the Sacidava Fortress are analyzed, in order to identify the origin of the raw materials and the deterioration processes that took place at this monument. Many nanomaterials have been used up to date for chemical consolidation and antimicrobial restoration of different surfaces from everywhere in the world [7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. In Chem.…”

New Triple Metallic Carbonated Hydroxyapatite for Stone Surface Preservation

“…The inorganic materials showed good adhesion and homogeneity, leading to the higher mechanical strength of artificial stone specimens. Also, some selected consolidants, Ag-CHAp and Sr-CHAp, proved good consolidation efficacy when applied to the damaged area of some real samples with heritage value [20]. Under this context, double-substituted carbonated hydroxyapatite has been prepared and characterized [21].…”