<div align="justify">A team of researchers from Princeton University in the United States has developed a low-cost and non-toxic treatment to help preserve iconic stone structures from decay. The treatment involves the application of a thin film of a calcium compound called hydroxyapatite, which is formed by the reaction of a water-based phosphate salt solution and calcite, the mineral that makes up marble. The solution seeps into and binds cracks in the marble’s surface, creating a stronger building or monument that is also more resistant to environmental pollution and rain.<br /><br />The study not only discovered that hydroxyapatite has excellent sticking properties, but also that their method has the advantage of being based on a non-toxic solvent (water), being able to penetrate deep inside marble cracks, and reacting in just 24 hours.<br /><br />The team conducted preliminary tests using hydroxyapatite at the Certosa di Bologna in Italy; the researchers believe the new treatment developed at Princeton could help preserve artworks in the cemetery from the effects of time and weather. <br /><br />Further tests will now look at the possibility of improving the hydroxyapatite treatment by eletrodeposition. They are also planning to start a pilot application of the hydroxyapatite treatment on some sculptures in the park of the Palace of Versailles in France. A single application of the treatment is said to have the potential to protect a marble structure for decades.<br /></div>
<div align="justify">A team of researchers from Princeton University in the United States has developed a low-cost and non-toxic treatment to help preserve iconic stone structures from decay. The treatment involves the application of a thin film of a calcium compound called hydroxyapatite, which is formed by the reaction of a water-based phosphate salt solution and calcite, the mineral that makes up marble. The solution seeps into and binds cracks in the marble’s surface, creating a stronger building or monument that is also more resistant to environmental pollution and rain.<br /><br />The study not only discovered that hydroxyapatite has excellent sticking properties, but also that their method has the advantage of being based on a non-toxic solvent (water), being able to penetrate deep inside marble cracks, and reacting in just 24 hours.<br /><br />The team conducted preliminary tests using hydroxyapatite at the Certosa di Bologna in Italy; the researchers believe the new treatment developed at Princeton could help preserve artworks in the cemetery from the effects of time and weather. <br /><br />Further tests will now look at the possibility of improving the hydroxyapatite treatment by eletrodeposition. They are also planning to start a pilot application of the hydroxyapatite treatment on some sculptures in the park of the Palace of Versailles in France. A single application of the treatment is said to have the potential to protect a marble structure for decades.<br /></div>