Evaluation the effectiveness of hydroxyapatite HA NPs/g-C3N4 hybrid nanocomposites embedded in B72/B44 matrix on the physical and mechanical properties of archaeological stucco
Authors: Khedr Mohammed Soliman Aly , Ali Mona Foad , Emam Ahmed Nabil , Kamel Abdullah Mahmoud , Ghanam Manal Abdel-Monem 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
This study aims to provide an efficient nanocomposite that might be used to protect deteriorated archaeological stucco.

Design/methodology/approach
The current experimental study evaluates the effectiveness of the hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA NPs) added to graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and mixed with Paraloid (B-72) (B-44) in acetone in consolidating samples. The physicochemical properties of the as-prepared nanopowders have been investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). This study involves monitoring the transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform changes in consolidated samples after exposure to various conditions by using the digital microscope and scanning electron microscopy to identify the appearance of the consolidated stucco samples after applying the selected nanocomposites and after their artificial aging procedures. Color change is measured using a colorimeter, and comparisons are made between samples before and after aging. Physical and mechanical properties are determined, and the contact angle is measured to measure hydrophobicity rate.

Findings
The obtained results indicate that HA/g-C3N4 hybrid nanocomposites with a composition of HA 0.5%/g-C3N4 1%/B-72 3% and HA 0.5%/g-C3N4 1%/B-44 3% achieved the best consolidating results among the proposed mixtures for stucco samples, where the percentage of weight loss was 0.77 with B-72, 0.53 with B-44. Surface identification and characterization of hydroxyapatite HA NPs/g-C3N4 hybrid nanocomposites embedded in B72/B44matrix were carried out using Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX).

Originality/value
This study provides important findings from the analytical procedures used to evaluate the consolidation materials used in this study. The findings are beneficial for the preservation of archaeological stucco. The investigation findings revealed that the most favorable outcomes were obtained from HA/g-C3N4 hybrid nanocomposites containing HA 0.5%, g-C3N4 1% and B-72 3%, as well as HA 0.5%, g-C3N4 1% and B-44 3%. Consequently, it is advised to use this nanocomposite to consolidate archaeological stucco, thus establishing a promising initial stride toward conserving archaeological stucco for future research endeavors. This study introduces a new nanocomposite material (HA NPs/G-C3N4) that can be used to protect and improve archaeological plaster. This is very important for preserving cultural heritage. The incorporation of nanotechnology improves the material’s physical and mechanical qualities. The research uses various characterization techniques (including TEM, XRD and FT-IR) to meticulously analyze the physicochemical properties of the nanocomposite material and assess its efficacy in practical applications through artificial aging experiments, offering novel insights and methodologies for future cultural relic preservation studies.