Mortars Produced by Alkaline Activation of Construction Ceramic Waste: Suitability Assessment within Conservation Issue

The aim of the research was to investigate the potential and suitability of alkali-activated mortars based on industrial ceramic waste for the purpose of conservation and restoration of Cultural Heritage, with particular reference to ceramic archaeological structures, as bricks. The suitability towards archaeological bricks was investigated by applying the alkali-activated mortars on archaeological fragments. Adhesion tests and SEM-EDS at the mortar/brick interface were carried out. Furthermore, the porosimetric and colorimetric parameters were compared between the alkali-activated mortars and the archaeological bricks. Compressive strength and water absorption were also tested. Finally, pH and conductivity measurements and an accelerated ageing test were carried out on a selection of the developed alkali-activated mortars to obtain preliminary observations on the chemical stability and durability. The results showed the actual suitability of the developed alkali-activated mortars in the three dimensions of chemical, physical and aesthetic conservation issues.