Exploring ancient mortars for the creation of innovative restoration materials: On-Tech Project

In the realm of conservation, a significant hurdle is developing restoration products that are both environmentally friendly and safe for those working with cultural heritage. Building materials, particularly mortars, require special attention because of the CO2 emissions generated by the cement industry, which is the third-largest source of anthropogenic emissions. The aim of this project is to provide innovative, durable, and compatible mortars that minimize CO2 emissions. The starting point for this study is the ancient Roman recipe used for the Traiano-Paolo Aqueduct, known for its high resistance and durability. The first phase of the project involves characterizing the raw materials that are compatible with ancient materials. Specifically, pozzolans from quarries around Bracciano Lake in Rome were sampled and analyzed using a multi-analytical approach to study their mineralogical-petrographic and chemical composition. Variations were observed in matrix, leucite crystals, phenocrystals, and porosity. For the experimental phase, vesicular pyroclastic materials with abundant crystals of leucite, clinopyroxenes, and high porosity were chosen as starting materials for new formulations, which were then characterized using OM, XRPD, FTIR, and SEM-EDS.