Impact of spraying commercial Bentonite Nanoclay on fortification of the mortar as Nano Sprying Technique (NST) in heritages and historical buildings

Abstract

Abstract Spraying Bentonite NanoClay as an innovative idea satisfied an urgent need for conservation of historical brick constructions. This research explores the application of Nanotechnology as a Nano-Geotechnics (NaG) and Nano Ground Improvement (NGI) techniques for fortifying the mortar between bricks in historical buildings against some environmental erosive factors. Bentonite Nanoparticles were selected because of their compatibility with mortar. They were applied via Nano Spray to mitigate holes and cracks caused by erosion. Various percentages of bentonite NanoClay (2–10%) Spray and the number of times to spray on the mortar were evaluated. Validation through field emission scanning electron microscopy imaging (FESEM/SEM), X-Ray differaction and Fluorescence analyses (XRD/XRF), Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), porosity tests, water absorption time measurement, and weathering tests confirmed the efficacy and long-term stability of this method. The result indicated that double spraying of a 2% NanoClay solution proved most effective in reducing porosity, declining water absorption, and enhancing resistance to freezing and rain.