Superhydrophobic Coatings Based on Siloxane Resin and Calcium Hydroxide Nanoparticles for Marble Protection

Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH2)) nanoparticles are produced following an easy, ion exchange process. The produced nanoparticles are characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier- transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and are then dispersed in an aqueous emulsion of silanes/siloxanes. The dispersions are sprayed on marble and the surface structures of the deposited coatings are revealed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). By adjusting the nanoparticle concentration, the coated marble obtains superhydrophobic and water repellent properties, as evidenced by the high static contact angles of water drops (> 150°) and the low sliding angles (< 10°). Because Ca(OH)2 is chemically compatible with limestone-like rocks, which are the most common stones found in buildings and objects of the cultural heritage, the produced composite coatings have the potential to be used for conservation purposes. For comparison, the wetting properties of another superhydrophobic and water repellent coating composed of the same siloxane material and silica (SiO2) nanoparticles, which were commonly used in several previously published reports, were investigated. The suggested siloxane+Ca(OH)2 composite coating offers good protection against water penetration by capillarity and has a small effect on the aesthetic appearance of marble, according to colorimetric measurements.