Building Materials and Pigments

The research work of the Building Materials and Pigments group focuses on three main areas: inorganic binders, stone and pigments.  The group is concerned with the development of new mortars suitable for repairing historical masonry structures, i.e. both mortars for masonry work or pointing and also injection mortars for repairing plasters or wall mosaics. Another area of interest of the group lies in the consolidation and surface treatment of stone and the development of new types of artificial stone. A large part of research work is centred around studying degradation processes and the properties of mortars and stone during ageing. Research focused on pigments deals with the degradation mechanisms of coloured layers and the development of suitable substances for cleaning and conservation of wall-mounted materials. The research group also works on the development of tested methods that can be used for historical materials. In addition to research, the group also carries out routine analyses of mortars and stone for the study of historical objects. In addition to our own equipment, we also take advantage of the extensive services provided by the Central laboratories.

Main fields of interest

• Masonry and injection mortars
• Surface treatment of building materials
• Degradation of building materials
• Degradation of coloured layer
• Cleaning of wall paintings
• Routine analyses of the content of water-soluble salts

Projects

• Restaurování mozaik tzv. české mozaikářské školy ze skla a kamene (2016-2020, Ministerstvo kultury)
• Technologie údržby a konzervace mozaiky Posledního soudu a metody restaurování-konzervování středověkého a archeologického skla (2012-2015, Ministerstvo kultury)