Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol.59, No.8, 1237-1242, 1996
Development of Organosilicone-Polyurethanes as Stone Preservation and Consolidation Materials
Two organosilicone-modified polyurethanes are investigated as potential materials for the conservation and consolidation of natural stones. The materials are low molecular weight oligomers at the application stage and react with the humidity of the air to give polymers, forming continuous microlayers. The two differ in the length of the organosilicone chain, resulting in pronounced differences in their physical state : one forms a brittle glassy material (T-g approximate to 70 degrees C), and the other, a soft rubbery material (T-g approximate to -100 degrees C). The rate of the polymerization of the prepolymers was investigated at different conditions, showing a strong dependence on the presence of a catalyst and air humidity. Both these favorable conditions exist probably in the natural stone pores, enhancing the formation of the protective hydrophobic internal microlayer.