MALTE INNOVATIVE IN AMBITO ARCHEOLOGICO

The aim of this study is the formulation of a special mortar with improved adhesion, elasticity, workability, water resistance compared to traditional mortars. This has been achieved thanks to the addition of nanostructured products able to influence the reaction of water with the hydraulic binder, in order to reduce the drying shrinkage and the subsequent micro-cracks, increasing the elasticity of the material and favoring the anchoring to the surface application. The study focused on laboratory testing of innovative mortars, based on a mixture of hydraulic lime, pozzolana and a nanostructured additive based on silica nanoparticles in aqueous solution. The physical and mechanical characteristics of the new mortars were evaluated carrying out several diagnostic tests. Moreover, though the aging of the specimens in a climatic chamber, it was possible to verify their behaviour with regard to the aggression of atmospheric agents, assessing the performance and and reliability over time of the new mortars. ASt the end of the testing, some comparative considerations were deducted, needed to evaluate the actual performance improvement of the mortars caused by the nanostructured additive.