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Calcite polymorphs in historic plasters of India’s arid region – execution technique, composition and characterization


Affiliations
1 National Museum Institute, Department of Conservation, Janpath, New Delhi 110 011, India
2 National Research Laboratory for Conservation of Cultural Property, Sector-E/3, Aliganj, Lucknow 226 024, India
 

In this work, the microscopic observation of thin section was utilized to analyse the geological and fine morpho-logical features of the 16th century Amber fort lime plaster – a World Heritage site. FTIR, XRD and SEM photomicrographs showed the stabilization of different crystalline phases of calcite polymorphs. Chemical anal-ysis and SEM-EDX data revealed dolomitic limestone was probably sourced for plaster works. The high mag-nesium present in the raw material, the environmental conditions during the application, pH, etc. have stabilized calcite polymorphs in the plaster. The calcite meta-stable phases have undergone dissolution with time making the plaster weak. This has increased porosity, permeability, and resultant lowering of plaster’s mechanical strength. Thermal analysis and cementation index revealed use of non-hydraulic, binder-rich, air-lime for plaster works. The granulometric study showed the mixing of reddish-brown sand-size grains, and the aggregates were probably sourced from the same location for major construction activity. The low proportion of aggregates led to reduced mechanical strength, and the plaster is vulnerable to damage.

Keywords

Arid regions, calcite polymorphs, decorative works, heritage structures.
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  • Calcite polymorphs in historic plasters of India’s arid region – execution technique, composition and characterization

Abstract Views: 319  |  PDF Views: 123

Authors

Shikha Bansal
National Museum Institute, Department of Conservation, Janpath, New Delhi 110 011, India
Manager Rajdeo Singh
National Research Laboratory for Conservation of Cultural Property, Sector-E/3, Aliganj, Lucknow 226 024, India

Abstract


In this work, the microscopic observation of thin section was utilized to analyse the geological and fine morpho-logical features of the 16th century Amber fort lime plaster – a World Heritage site. FTIR, XRD and SEM photomicrographs showed the stabilization of different crystalline phases of calcite polymorphs. Chemical anal-ysis and SEM-EDX data revealed dolomitic limestone was probably sourced for plaster works. The high mag-nesium present in the raw material, the environmental conditions during the application, pH, etc. have stabilized calcite polymorphs in the plaster. The calcite meta-stable phases have undergone dissolution with time making the plaster weak. This has increased porosity, permeability, and resultant lowering of plaster’s mechanical strength. Thermal analysis and cementation index revealed use of non-hydraulic, binder-rich, air-lime for plaster works. The granulometric study showed the mixing of reddish-brown sand-size grains, and the aggregates were probably sourced from the same location for major construction activity. The low proportion of aggregates led to reduced mechanical strength, and the plaster is vulnerable to damage.

Keywords


Arid regions, calcite polymorphs, decorative works, heritage structures.

References





DOI: https://doi.org/10.18520/cs%2Fv123%2Fi6%2F804-813