Multifunctional TiO₂ Nanocomposites for Treatment of Black Limestone at Sultan Hasan Mosque

Abstract:

Black limestones were used as structural and ornamental stones in the facades of the four madrasas at Sultan Hasan mosque. Regrettably, the studied black limestone blocks have significantly suffered from deterioration mechanisms, causing severe damage forms such as discolouration, salt crystallization, cracking, fissuring, flaking, granular disintegration, and microbial growth. Examination and analysis of the studied black limestone were performed using polarizing light microscope, scanning electron microscope equipped with EDS, X-ray diffraction, and fungal investigation. The current research mainly presents an experimental study to evaluate the efficiency of nanocomposites prepared from SRC-220 (fluorinated polyurethane) and TiO₂ NPs in the treatment of the studied black limestone. The prepared TiO₂ nanocomposites were used for the treatment of experimental black limestone samples. The effect of TiO₂ nanoparticle concentration on the properties of the fabricated nanocomposites was comparatively tested. Experimental study was implemented using transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscope, static water contact angle, colourimetric investigation, abrasion resistance, self-cleaning activity, and fungistatic efficiency. The results proved that the addition of TiO₂ nanoparticles into SRC-220 pure polymer produced multifunctional nanocomposites characterized by high transparency, good consolidation effect, superhydrophobicity, self-cleaning, and antifugal efficiency. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the concentration of TiO₂ nanoparticles significantly affects the obtained properties of the prepared nanocomposites.

• Periodical: Nano Hybrids and Composites (Volume 51)
• Pages: 45-64
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-5Jf27D
• Online since: May 2026
• Authors: Fatma Mohamed Helmi, Yasser Kamal Hefni*
• Keywords: Antifungal, Black Limestone, Nanocomposites, Self-Cleaning, Superhydrophobicity, TiO₂ Nanoparticles, Treatment

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