Nano-CaCO 3 for Repair of Historic Joint Mortar

Joint mortars are one of the main components in the historic building. Mortar, similar to bricks, is usually subjected to deterioration caused by surrounding environmental conditions. Therefore, the current study focuses on the repair of the mortars using nano-calcium carbonate particles. The nano-particles were prepared by mechanical milling and mixed with polymer to enhance the penetration into mortar pores. However, before treating the mortar samples their physical properties were determined such as porosity, apparent and real density and mechanical properties. In addition, different characterization techniques were used to identify the main components of the mortar sample such as energy-dispersive X-ray (XRD-EDX), scanning electron microscope (SEM), petrographic and mineralogical analysis, in addition to evaluate the effect of restoration treatment. The restoration results, using nano-carbonate particles, indicated that the tested mortars have improved physically and mechanically.