WELCOME TO NANOCONSERVATION
Effective nanolime technology for consolidation of low-porosity limestones with state-of-the-art application techniques.
About Us
NanoConservation is formed from research emanating from Sheffield Hallam University.
The research focuses on the development of more effective nanolime-based consolidation techniques to ensure the long-term preservation of valuable limestone heritage.
Value Proposition
At NanoConservation we pioneer compatible and more effective nanolime-based consolidation techniques for preserving various calcareous substrates, ensuring both superficial and in-depth consolidation.
The Problem & Solution
Despite their compatibility with calcareous substrates, current nanolime treatments face limitations due to existing commercial products’ inability to penetrate fine-grained and low-porosity substrates effectively.
NanoConservation research aims to address this by developing a state of the art and safe consolidation technology using commercialised nanolimes applied with patent-pending application techniques, to enhance in-depth penetration and improve overall consolidation performance.
The Problem
The Solution
Our Technology
NanoConservation provides an Innovative Nanolime Technology (INT) showing excellent potential for restoring deteriorated limestones by ensuring effective consolidation performance. INT led to the development of three state-of-the-art nanolime-based application techniques.
The first technique was successfully trialled on three British Museum limestone objects from the Greek, Roman and Egyptian collections showing superficial damage, e.g. powdering and crumbling surface. Two additional techniques (International Patent pending) focus on the use of energetically applied processes to change the wettability of the stone surface to increase the adhesion and the penetration of commercialised nanolime applied over it. Performance tests on carried out on various sound and weathered limestones with reduced porosities (lower than 20%) demonstrate deeper penetration and enhanced compressive strength compared to existing nanolime techniques, thus ensuring both superficial (i.e. near-to-the-surface) and mass consolidation (i.e. in-depth) efficiencies.
Meet the Team
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Dr. Cyril Maucourant
Researcher and Entrepreneur Lead (Sheffield Hallam University – Innovate UK ICURE)
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Prof. Fin O'Flaherty
Professor of Infrastructure Engineering and Principal Scientific Advisor (Sheffield Hallam University – Innovate UK ICURE)
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Dr Neil Bowden
Innovation Funding Manager and Technology Transfer Officer (Sheffield Hallam University – Innovate UK ICURE)
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Georgia Hatzigiannidou
Funding Adviser and Technology Transfer Officer (Sheffield Hallam University – Innovate UK ICURE)
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Lewis Proudfoot
Managing Director of Cliveden Conservation ltd and Business Advisor (Cliveden Conservation ltd – Innovate UK ICURE)
Get in touch.
We would love to learn from your experience in the field of stone conservation and the use of nanolime, please, complete the following survey, thank you