Conservation of King Horemoheb Nubian Sandstone Rock-Chapel using Nanomaterials / Silicon Composites

Horemoheb Nubian Sandstone rock-chapel carved in Gabal el-Silsila Nubian Sandstone. The Nubian Sandstone at Gebel El-Silsila was used in building of huge ancient Egyptian temples in Upper Egypt. Sandstone samples were taken to verify the source rock of the quarried material. Optical Polarizing Microscope (OPM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) were used to determine the microstructure and physical properties of the sandstone. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) was carried out for the Sandstone samples to identify its mineralogical composition. The sandstone samples were treated with silicon-based polymeric products, nanomaterials and nanomaterials / silicon-based polymers composites to determine changes in their physical and mechanical properties after penetration, consolidation of polymers and nanomaterials within them. This sandstone is composed mainly of three quartz arenite microfacies (feldspathic, sub lithic and calcareous) these are interpreted to have been deposited in fluvial to fluvial-marine environment. Nanomaterial / silicon polymer composites are showing a good penetration and filling pores between grains, improving the mechanical properties and recommended for treatment and consolidation of the sandstone. Based on the results, the SiO2 / [MMOS] nanocomposites gave the best results in consolidating and insulating treated sandstone against the effects of moisture.