We work on the fundamental characterisation and investigation of durability and deterioration problems in materials of the built heritage. We focus in particular on (historical) mineral binders (natural hydraulic lime, dolomitic lime, Roman cement, gypsum, early concrete), but also on organic additives in mineral building materials, colour pigments and paints and varnishes. Building on more than 20 years of research into the characterisation of binders used in historical buildings in Tyrol and South Tyrol, the main materials used have been characterised: instead of pure lime mortar, as is often assumed, the objects predominantly contain natural hydraulic lime and (partly hydraulic) dolomitic lime as binders. The focus of the research is to "understand" the framework conditions for production (raw materials, processing/working techniques), the setting processes, the interaction with environmental conditions and the resulting advantages and/or problems with regard to durability.
Glaze defect on a tile of a historic stove: problem only visible by light microscopy or scanning electron microscopy.
Binders of historical plasters and mortars are fundamentally characterized and described: e.g. natural hydraulic lime and dolomitic lime.
