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Frontal polymerization of acrylic monomers for the consolidation of stone
Author(s) -
Vicini Silvia,
Mariani Alberto,
Princi Elisabetta,
Bidali Simone,
Pincin Silvia,
Fiori Stefano,
Pedemonte Enrico,
Brunetti Antonio
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
polymers for advanced technologies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.61
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1099-1581
pISSN - 1042-7147
DOI - 10.1002/pat.584
Subject(s) - polymerization , monomer , materials science , consolidation (business) , polymer , acrylic resin , polymer chemistry , in situ polymerization , polymer science , chemical engineering , composite material , coating , accounting , engineering , business
Polymeric products are largely used for consolidation of stone in the field of cultural heritage. Nevertheless, the main problem of polymeric compounds is related to their macromolecular nature, it being difficult for a polymer to penetrate inside the pores which may have a very small diameter. These considerations are the starting points for in situ polymerization. According to this technique, not the pre‐formed polymer, but the monomer is introduced into the stone and it is polymerized in situ in a subsequent step. Frontal polymerization (FP) is a particular technique in which the heat released by the exothermal reaction of monomer to polymer conversion is exploited to promote the formation of a hot traveling front able to propagate and self‐sustain the reaction. In the present work, FP is performed inside the pores of the stone and the results lead to the conclusion that the hot front is still active in the presence of an inorganic material which dissipates partially the heat released during the polymerization. In addition some recent applications of FP are discussed in comparison with the traditional polymerization for the in situ consolidation and protection of stones. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.