Properties of Hydrophilic Mineral Wool for Desalination of Historical Masonry

Abstract

Hydrophilic mineral wool (HMW) is considered as a possible alternative to the commonly used cellulose in desalination of historical masonry. HMW also allows water and salt solutions transport along the hydrophilic fibres, which is the necessary condition for its possible application for desalination measures, but contrary to cellulose it is inorganic material, which reduces maintenance of the poultice. On this account, the hygric transport and storage properties of newly developed HMW is determined in the paper. In order to get detailed information on HMW performance, its thermal properties are measured as well. For its basic characterization, bulk density, matrix density, saturation moisture and salt content, and apparent total open porosity are accessed. The results are in good agreement with those published in literature for similar types of HMW. The process of drying of three different types of sandstone, as typical materials frequently used in historical buildings, using HMW board is monitored to analyse the practical applicability of the proposed desalination treatment. The obtained results show that HMW slows the drying process. However, the final level of drying is the same as without the HMW, which indicates the possible applicability of studied HMW for desalination purposes.