Consolidation of stone by mixtures of alkoxysilane and acrylic polymer

Abstract The present paper deals with the study of stone consolidants which consist of mixtures of Ethylsilicate 40 and Paraloid B-72. The composition of the mixtures under evaluation was chosen so that the effects on consolidation quality of the addition of Paraloid B-72 and of various catalysts could be assessed. The penetration rate of the consolidating mixtures in stone was studied; compression strength was measured, as well as water absorption under normal pressure and resistivity to crystallizing salts. Porosity of the consolidated surface layer was determined for some samples. When the stone samples were treated with consolidants containing Ethylsilicate 40 and Paraloid B-72, all observed properties of the stone were improved. Although absolute values of these quantities differ considerably—they are affected by the catalysts used—the presence of Paraloid B-72 has a positive effect. Of particular importance is the fact that surface stone porosity and the appearance of the stone are not greatly affec...