Preserving Cultural Heritage: Enhancing Limestone Durability with Nano-TiO<sub>2</sub> Coating
Dorina Camelia Ilieș,
Andrei-Ionuț Apopei,
Alexandru Ilieș,
Tudor Caciora,
Berdenov Zharas,
Nicolaie Hodor,
Alexandru Turza,
Thowayeb H. Hassan,
Lucian Barbu-Tudoran,
Ana Cornelia Pereș,
Mariana Ratiu,
Bahodirhon Safarov,
Bahadur Bilalov,
Emil-Traian Gligor
Affiliations
Dorina Camelia Ilieș
Department of Geography, Tourism and Territorial Planning, Faculty of Geography, Tourism and Sport, University of Oradea, 1 Universitatii Street, 410087 Oradea, Romania
Andrei-Ionuț Apopei
Department of Geology, Faculty of Geography and Geology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași, 700505 Iași, Romania
Alexandru Ilieș
Department of Geography, Tourism and Territorial Planning, Faculty of Geography, Tourism and Sport, University of Oradea, 1 Universitatii Street, 410087 Oradea, Romania
Tudor Caciora
Department of Geography, Tourism and Territorial Planning, Faculty of Geography, Tourism and Sport, University of Oradea, 1 Universitatii Street, 410087 Oradea, Romania
Berdenov Zharas
Faculty of Science, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, 2 Satpayev Street, Nur-Sultan 010008, Kazakhstan
Nicolaie Hodor
Faculty of Geography, “Babes-Bolyai” University, 5-6 Clinicilor Street, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Alexandru Turza
National Institute for R&D of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat Street, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Thowayeb H. Hassan
Social Studies Department, College of Arts, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
Lucian Barbu-Tudoran
Electron Microscopy Center “Prof. C. Craciun”, Faculty of Biology & Geology, “Babes-Bolyai” University, 5-7 Clinicilor Str., 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Ana Cornelia Pereș
Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, Magheru Street 26, 410087 Oradea, Romania
Mariana Ratiu
Department of Mechanical Engineering and Automotive, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
Bahodirhon Safarov
Department of Digital Economy, Samarkand Branch of Tashkent State University of Economics, Samarkand 140105, Uzbekistan
Bahadur Bilalov
Department of Tourism Business, Azerbaijan University of Tourism and Management, Baku 1172, Azerbaijan
Emil-Traian Gligor
Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Construction, Cadastre and Architecture, University of Oradea, 410058 Oradea, Romania
External and internal microclimatic conditions, biodeterioration, anthropogenic factors, etc, influence the natural stone support for artifacts and built heritage. Based on this fact, the present study explores the effectiveness of nano-TiO2 in preserving and enhancing the durability of natural stone used in the façades of heritage buildings, focusing on the Markovits-Mathéser House in Oradea Municipality, Romania. The investigation involved treating rock samples (fossiliferous limestone) with 2% and 5% nano-TiO2 solutions and subjecting them to simulated extreme climatic conditions for the analyzed area in a controlled climatic chamber for six months. The treated samples demonstrated a significantly higher compressive strength than untreated benchmarks. SEM analyses confirmed that nano-TiO2 formed a protective layer, filling micro-cracks and pores, thereby enhancing the stone’s resistance to environmental stressors. The study also found that the nanoparticle coating maintained its integrity under extreme temperature and humidity variations, with only a slight decrease in surface coverage. These findings suggest that nano-TiO2 coatings significantly improve heritage building materials’ mechanical properties and longevity. However, the study highlights the importance of careful application and long-term evaluation to ensure environmental and health safety. Overall, nano-TiO2 presents a promising solution for the conservation of cultural heritage, offering enhanced durability and protection against climatic and environmental challenges. Further research is recommended to optimize application workflow and formulations for broader and more effective use in heritage conservation.
