Conservation study of stones by using acrylic monomer

Abstract

About 17% of historical properties in Korea were made of stones and most. of them are exposed to weathering, as such that discoloring, cracldng, and shattering occur from physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological effects due to outdoor placement. Proper treatments for conservation are necessary to prevent the weathering damage and to retain the original shape of stones. MMA, an acrylic monomer having low viscosity can be impregnated deep inside stones by consecutive compression and decompression process in a pressurized vessel. After the polymerization of MMA impregnate, the space inside of the stone was filled with PMMA. It is expected that water repellent and weather resistant properties will be improved because of the improved bonding of constituent materials in stones. In this study, moisture absorption, chemical resistance, and mechanical property of two domestic granites were examined after treating them with MMA for the purpose of determining the conservation value of this method that was possibly useful to the conservation of stone cultural assets.