A Review of Materials Used forSurface Consolidation in the Historical and Cultural Stones

In Iran, stone archaeology sites such Persepolis, Pasargadae, and Kangavar (Anahita temple) are exposure to decay and degradation in the absence of scientific investigation. One of the main functions in conservation of historical artifacts is consolidation. Consolidation treatments due to of their potential to cause undesirable effects and irrevocability are the most at risk in conservation measures. Identifying and selecting consolidate materials-generally known as coating materials in industry- affect seriously on the survival rate. If being no knowledge in the field of materials and their side effect, it is sometimes possible harmful effects outweigh the benefits. As for the lack of efficient Farsi (Persian) data in the context of stone conservation materials as well as absence of knowledge in consolidation mechanisms and their advantage and disadvantage, it is necessary to describe the consolidation materials that are used and recommended. Their performance and characteristics are described, in order to be helpful to the conservation objectives. The chemical natures of consolidations are categorized in: organic, inorganic, and organic-inorganic. Organic consolidations such as Ethyl Silicate are commonly used for all kind of stone but inorganic consolidations are prescribed for the stone with the specified characteristics.